Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday warned that no market syndication would be allowed to exploit or hold farmers hostage, saying the government would take steps to dismantle syndicates and ensure fair prices for marginal farmers.
“We will work to break syndicates in all sectors so that marginal farmers can benefit from fair prices,” he said while talking to reporters after inspecting the wholesale markets for jute and onions in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah district.
Strict action against hoarding and market manipulation will be taken, he said.
Groups of traders are forming syndicates in markets and exploiting farmers, he added.
“Farmers work hard and produce crops but often fail to receive fair prices. Once they bring their produce to the market, various syndicates and excessive charges cause them further losses,” he said.
The law minister said farmers are sometimes required to pay an additional two kilograms as a levy for every maund of jute or onions.
He said market cleaners and transgender people also collect money from farmers, resulting in farmers effectively having to provide around 45 kilograms of produce for every maund.
“This is unfair,” he said, adding that steps has already been taken to dismantle such practices in markets across the country.
Addressing traders who threaten not to purchase farmers’ produce unless they receive such levies, the minister said, “Leave the market. Alternative traders will emerge on their own.”
He also announced a tough stance against hoarding, saying the Special Powers Act would be enforced against hoarders and market syndicates.
Under the Special Powers Act, 1974, the maximum punishment for hoarding is death, he said, warning those involved in hoarding to think carefully before engaging in such activities.
The government is working to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce, Asaduzzaman said, adding that necessary measures would be taken to prevent harassment through irregularities in market management, excessive levies and syndicates.
Shailkupa upazila BNP President Abul Hossain, General Secretary Humayun Babar Firoz and leaders and activists of different associate organisations were present during the visit.