Govt to take tough action against price-hiking syndicates: Asif

Labour and Employment adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan today said stern action will be taken under the Special Powers Act against those involved in syndicates inflating commodity prices.
 
"It is a must to take steps to break the syndicates. But, it is hard as the syndicates have links with the fallen fascist government. We have to take the hard-line. Otherwise, it will not be possible to break the syndicates. We are taking steps, if necessary drives would be launched against them under the Special Powers Act after identifying the main culprits," he added. 
 
Asif, also adviser for Youth and Sports, made the remarks while exchanging views with government officials of Chattogram Division and District at local Circuit House on Saturday.
 
 Labor and Employment secretary H. M. Safikuzzaman presided over the function while Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram Tofail Islam, Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam, Additional Commissioner of Police Masud Ahmed, Additional Superintendent of Police ANM Wasim Feroze, officials of various government departments, Coordinator of July Revolution Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi, Mohammad Russell and Zubaidul Islam along with journalists from print and electronic media were present on the occasion.
 
Asif Mahmud said the administration should break the syndicate in terms of price control.
 
"The market system must be brought back to the normal level by building a resistance against them, no matter how powerful they are," he added.
 
Terming there should be coordination between all the departments of the government, the Labor and Employment Adviser said all should play an effective role to reduce the suffering of the people and bring relief to the public life. 
 
"There should be accountability and coordination between the concerned departments in terms of product prices or law and order. We have to do our best to reduce the suffering of people in the new Bangladesh. This will increase the motivation among the people and the beginning of a new Bangladesh without discrimination," Sajib Bhuiyan said.
 
 Earlier in the morning, the advisor visited Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium and MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram.