Powerful syndicates are manipulating prices, controlling supply and influencing market trends, affecting both small businesses and consumers in the wholesale markets, and this is happening despite strict government actions, according to market insiders. Authorities responsible for monitoring the wholesale market, which plays a crucial role in the supply chain, ensuring goods reach retailers and consumers, have failed to curb these practices, said retailers and consumers. Wholesale markets act as intermediaries between producers—such as farmers or manufacturers—and retailers. Goods arrive in bulk and are distributed further down the supply chain. Ideally, these markets should function on the principles of supply and demand, but syndicates often disrupt this balance. The players manipulating the market remain untouchable due to their political influence. How Syndicates Operate Syndicates, often comprising influential traders, large-scale wholesalers, and transporters, exploit market dynamics by creating artificial shortages, hoarding goods, and manipulating auctions to sustain high profit margins. Operating with minimal oversight, these networks wield significant control over prices and product availability. Retailers claim that groups of wholesalers agree on fixed prices, preventing competition and ensuring higher profits. Besides, traders stockpile essential goods, causing artificial shortages that drive prices up. With a few dominant players controlling the entire supply chain and sidelining smaller traders and new entrants, consumers say that regulatory bodies and enforcement agencies often turn a blind eye due to alleged bribes and political pressure. Smart agriculture can break agricultural product syndicates in Bangladesh: Experts Retailers, especially small shop owners, are forced to buy at inflated prices, leading to increased costs for consumers. Essential commodities such as vegetables, grains, and fuel are often subject to syndicate control, making affordability a major concern. Weak Enforcement and Limited Reforms Authorities periodically launch crackdowns against market syndicates, but these efforts often fail due to deep-rooted corruption and lack of sustained enforcement. Price monitoring mechanisms exist, but enforcement remains weak. Some countries have introduced digital marketplaces and direct farmer-to-consumer supply chains to break monopolies, but results vary. In Bangladesh, Krishak Oikyo Parishad has launched sales points in different areas of the country, including Dhaka, where farmers sell their products directly to consumers. Leaders of the organisation say their platform aims to ensure fair prices for farmers, who often struggle to receive equitable compensation for their produce. Krishak Oikyo Parishad has also called on the government to implement measures that guarantee fair prices for farmers' products. They advocate for direct producer-to-consumer sales to eliminate middlemen’s excessive profits and raise their voices when agricultural prices drop in the market. Who is Responsible? Visiting different wholesale markets in Dhaka, the UNB correspondent found that middlemen and commission agents, rather than direct producers or traders, control the distribution process. Retailers claimed these middlemen take high commissions based on market conditions, raising prices for both retailers and consumers. Short supply of medicines, syndicates rock Dhaka Medical College Hospital Large-scale wholesalers and traders form cartels to control pricing, stockpile goods, create artificial shortages, fix prices, and often force smaller traders and retailers to buy at inflated rates. Some major retailers also contribute by negotiating deals with wholesalers that exclude small traders. This limits market competition and strengthens the syndicate’s grip. Wholesale market committees and associations claim to regulate trade. But, some of these groups function as part of the syndicate, enforcing price manipulation and restricting new entrants. Transport unions and logistics providers sometimes collaborate with syndicates by delaying shipments, increasing freight costs, or blocking direct supply from producers to retailers. Corrupt government officials and inspectors allow syndicates to operate freely. Weak regulation and bribery enable hoarding and price manipulation in exchange for financial or political favours. Political figures with ties to wholesale markets benefit from syndicate operations, using their influence to protect these networks from legal action. Who Suffers the Most? Breaking these syndicates requires stronger regulations, digital market systems, and direct producer-to-consumer supply chains. But, without strict enforcement, these hidden forces will continue to dominate the wholesale market, small business owners said. Small retailers cannot buy at competitive rates. Farmers and producers are forced to sell at low prices while end consumers pay high rates. As a result, consumers face inflated prices for basic goods. A View of Dhaka’s Wholesale Markets Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is home to several major wholesale markets that play a vital role in the supply chain for food, clothing, electronics, and raw materials. Some of the most prominent wholesale markets include: Kawran Bazar – One of Dhaka’s largest and busiest wholesale markets, serving as a major hub for vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and groceries. Traders from across the country bring their products here for distribution. Action against price-hiking syndicates under Special Powers Act Shyambazar – Located in Old Dhaka, this is one of the city’s oldest wholesale markets, specialising in agricultural products such as rice, lentils, and spices. It is also a key trading centre for onions, garlic, and ginger. Jatrabari Wholesale Market – A crucial hub for wholesale fruits and vegetables in southern Dhaka, supplying fresh produce to retailers across the city. Chawk Bazar – A historic trading hub in Old Dhaka, known for wholesale spices, dried goods, and traditional Bangladeshi food ingredients. Islampur Market – The largest wholesale market for textiles and clothing in Dhaka, popular among traders sourcing fabrics, sarees, and garments in bulk. Gulistan Wholesale Market – A key centre for wholesale electronics, mobile accessories, and clothing, also well known for its footwear markets. Each of these markets caters to different industries, but many are affected by syndicates that manipulate pricing and supply chains.

Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s public healthcare system, now struggles with ‘widespread’ irregularities, including a severe shortage of medicines, leaving poor and middle-class patients without the proper care they desperately need. The hospital, consistently exceeding its bed capacity, is grappling with overcrowded wards and an overwhelming patient load, severely compromising its ability to provide proper medical care. Reports from various departments highlight a grim picture: unclean environments, low-quality food, inadequate staffing, and patients often forced to lie on the floors of overcrowded corridors and wards. Hospital Director Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan acknowledged the increasing number of patient complaints, admitting the gravity of the situation. “We are aware of these issues and steps are being taken to address them,” he said. However, the situation seems to have worsened, with one of the most concerning issues being the chronic shortage of medicines. A patient, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke about the difficulties of getting essential drugs from the hospital’s pharmacy. “Most of the necessary medicines are unavailable here. We often have no choice but to purchase them at higher prices from pharmacies outside,” the patient said. The stark contrast between the hospital’s shortages and the full stock of nearby pharmacies has raised suspicions about the management of medicine supplies within the facility. In one instance, a woman from a rural village was seen heading to a nearby pharmacy, escorted by a man. When asked about their destination, the woman confirmed that she was going to buy medicine. However, when questioned about the man’s identity or whether he was receiving a commission for directing patients to the pharmacy, he quickly avoided answering. Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan, when confronted about the shortages, explained that the problem lay in the supply chain. “What can we do if the government does not supply the required medicines? There are many items we need that are simply not being supplied,” he said. In addition to the medicine shortages, some patients have reported receiving only one type of medication over a span of several days due to the lack of necessary supplies. Families have frequently had to buy medications from outside sources, adding an extra financial burden on already struggling patients. One hospital staff member pointed to budgetary constraints as the primary reason behind the shortages. “We don’t have a government supply. We can’t always provide every medicine due to budget shortfalls. To offer complete services, we need to double our budget,” the staff member explained, though they declined to provide further details on the specifics of the hospital’s current budget allocation. Allegations of Syndicate and Bribery Practices Further complicating matters are widespread allegations of bribery and corrupt practices within the hospital. Several patients have claimed that hospital staff and ward aides are demanding bribes ranging from 50 to 100 taka for basic services such as providing wheelchairs and facilitating medical tests. These practices have added to the already heavy financial burden placed on families who are seeking essential medical care. One unregistered worker, seen assisting a patient, admitted to accepting tips for his services. "We don't force anyone to give us money, but if they do, it helps with our expenses," he said. Brigadier General Asaduzzaman Khan has acknowledged the existence of such practices, stating that the hospital is actively working to address these issues.  "Both sides share the blame. We have dismissed several people based on these complaints and are working to dismantle such practices, though complete eradication has yet to be achieved.” Read: Mismanagement and overcrowding plague Dhaka Medical College Hospital Earlier this year, in February, the High Court weighed in on the pervasive influence of syndicates in the healthcare sector. The court described the syndicates as playing "games of ducks and drakes" with people’s lives, accusing them of supplying expired drugs and medical equipment for profit. The court urged all concerned parties to remain vigilant and take action to protect vulnerable patients from such exploitative practices. Struggling Medical Supply Chain Medicine supply has long been a challenge in Bangladesh's public healthcare system. A 2020 survey revealed that 72% of public hospitals face regular shortages of medicines, exacerbating the difficulties for patients who rely on these facilities for care. A number of factors contribute to these shortages, including inadequate budget allocation, limited healthcare insurance, and an overwhelming number of outpatients. The public healthcare sector has historically received less than 1% of the country’s GDP over the past 12 years, which is insufficient to meet the demands of the growing population. Without health insurance, many patients are required to pay for outpatient services, further compounding the strain on public hospitals. Despite these challenges, some efforts have been made to improve the situation. The World Bank provided critical assistance, including supplying vaccines, syringes, and medical equipment to help Bangladesh manage the COVID-19 crisis. Besides, the government heavily subsidises public healthcare, though these subsidies are often insufficient to meet the growing demands of the system. A study conducted in 2013 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital highlighted further issues in the hospital's medical supply chain. The study, which surveyed hospital shop employees, revealed that over half of the drugs were purchased through open tender, while a significant portion came through direct purchases and donations. Read more: Government renames 14 hospitals and medical colleges However, the hospital's pharmacy suffers from a lack of proper storage facilities, with no air-conditioning or refrigeration available in the store. The management has called for improvements in quality control, storage facilities and training to improve the system. Looking Ahead The situation at Dhaka Medical College Hospital paints a worrying picture of the state of public healthcare in Bangladesh. From the lack of basic medicines to the widespread practice of bribery and corruption, the hospital's problems are a microcosm of the systemic issues that plague the broader healthcare system. While efforts to improve the situation are ongoing, patients and healthcare workers alike are calling for more substantial reforms, increased funding, and greater transparency to ensure that Bangladesh’s public healthcare system can truly meet the needs of its people.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday (March 14, 2024) said the government is trying to identify those who are involved in market syndicates and investigating whether BNP has any link to the syndicates and hoarders. The AL leader said this while speaking at an opinion exchange meeting at the Awami League's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue. BNP will get more isolated if it continues movement during Ramadan: Quader Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, expressed worries that such syndicates could attempt to destabilise the government and disrupt the progress of the elected government. Regarding the surge in commodity prices, the minister said the governmen under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working to bring the commodity prices within the reach of common people. On the issue of commodity price control, Quader referenced his recent visit to Singapore, where he observed a significant rise in commodity prices. “Efforts are being made to control prices in our country. The government is not inactive here. The Prime Minister is giving time to deal with the crisis. We have no negligence here. The whole world is facing the rise in gas, fuel and commodity prices. This crisis is also going on in the US, Europe, the other developed countries,” he said. Responding to questions about the recent hijacking of Bangladeshi ship and crew  in Somalia, the minister assured that the Foreign Ministry is engaged in securing their release. He said 23 crew members have insurance coverage, and efforts are underway to ensure their safe return. Hasan Mahmud says Ganatantra Mancha attacked police to incite chaos Regarding the negative impact on relation with the US over the conviction of Dr Yunus, the minister said,” Dr Yunus is a person. I want to who he is in the US. He is a citizen of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has its own law and court and law is equal for all.”