He said these things to journalists after visiting the jute and onion wholesale market and arat in Shailkupa, Jhenaidah, on Saturday (8 August) morning.
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Government will apply Special Powers Act against syndicates and hoarding: Law Minister
The Law Minister alleged that farmers do not get fair prices even after producing crops with sweat. After coming to the market, they become hostage to syndicates. He gave an example: for one maund of jute or onion, an extra two kilograms have to be paid as toll; on top of that, market cleaners and hijras also take toll from farmers. As a result, a farmer has to give 45 kilograms per maund—which is completely unfair.
The Minister said the government's goal is to break syndicates in all sectors and benefit marginal farmers. Traders in the markets have held farmers hostage through syndicates, and we are working to break them. He said, 'We will break this syndicate.' Instructions have already been given to all markets, and no one will be spared if rules are violated.
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Addressing traders who threaten not to buy goods if they do not get toll, the Law Minister said, 'Leave the market. Alternative traders will be created.'
At that time, Upazila BNP President Abul Hossain and General Secretary Humayun Babar Firoz were present during the Law Minister's market visit.