Traders’ leaders on Monday said Bangladesh’s markets are adequately stocked with essential commodities ahead of Ramadan and prices are unlikely to rise if supply chains remain uninterrupted.

They made the remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting in Motijheel reviewing the import, stock, supply and price situation of essentials for Ramadan.

At the meeting, traders assured the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) that there is no scope for abnormal price hikes during the holy month.

Leaders of retail and wholesale market associations said sufficient stocks of edible oil, sugar, onion, pulses and other daily necessities are available in the country.

They noted that maintaining smooth supply would keep prices stable, while urging authorities to strictly curb extortion at different stages of the supply chain. Consumers were also requested not to engage in panic buying that could create artificial pressure on the market.

Traders further appealed to the Ministry of Commerce and relevant authorities, through FBCCI, to stop harassment of retailers in the name of market monitoring during Ramadan, arguing that small traders are not responsible for market instability. They called on importers and large corporate entities to ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials.

FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan said this year’s Ramadan is particularly important as it will begin just days after the 13th national parliamentary election.

“Considering public interest, business leaders and trade bodies must act with greater responsibility,” Rahim said, adding that large industrial groups should ensure steady supply and market monitoring should not turn into harassment. He said FBCCI would place the meeting’s observations before the appropriate authorities.

Bangladesh Sugar Traders Association President Md Abul Hashem said there would be no sugar shortage if mills ensure timely supply. He added that alongside corporate imports, government-led sugar imports would enhance competition and help keep prices affordable.

Bangladesh Wholesale Edible Oil Traders Association President Md Golam Maula urged the government to strengthen oversight at the importer and large corporate level, rather than focusing market monitoring only on retailers, to keep prices stable.

Meghna Group of Industries Deputy General Manager Taslim Shahriar said adequate stocks of edible oil and sugar are available to meet Ramadan demand.

However, he cautioned that port operations, transportation and customs clearance could face some disruption due to election-related holidays, though no other supply-chain constraints were anticipated.

Leaders of kitchen market associations also indicated that prices of vegetables and other perishables would remain within consumers’ reach during Ramadan, noting that prices of all vegetables—except lemon—are currently normal.

While traders expressed optimism, market analysts voiced caution; Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) General Secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan warned of potential risks, citing possible energy shortages during Ramadan and the post-election transition period, which could weaken market oversight and allow unscrupulous elements to exploit the situation.

Representatives from FBCCI’s general council, various trade bodies, Bangladesh Bank, the Ministry of Commerce, National Board of Revenue, Trade and Tariff Commission, Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Competition Commission, TCB, and several agriculture and livestock departments, along with industry representatives, were present at the meeting.