Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday called upon traders to remain vigilant against syndicates and extortion in order to control the rising prices of essentials.
"Inform the members of the law enforcement agencies immediately if anyone is found attempting to extort money (in the markets and elsewhere)," he said after visiting Nawhata and Khargori markets in Rajshahi metropolitan.
The adviser enquired about prices of the commodities in the markets and asked the local traders to remain alert, noting that there was no presence of syndicates and extortion in the markets.
Jahangir, also the Agriculture Adviser said the recent flood at the country's southeastern districts Comilla, Feni and Noakhali and the ongoing flood in Mymensingh and Sherpur districts are one of the reasons for the price hike.
He said: "Comilla is one of the largest vegetable producing districts. The production of vegetables has suffered a setback due to the flooding which contributed to the price hike of vegetables."
