Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Tuesday warned against hoarding of rice saying no one will be allowed to destabilise the rice market.
He was virtually exchanging views with local government officials, mill owners and traders on ways to prevent rice hoarding and market monitoring at Rangpur deputy commissioner office.
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Sadhan said the government is ready to import rice if it’s needed to keep the market stable. So those who are thinking of hoarding the food grains to manipulate market should refrain from it, he added.
He said there is no logic behind hike in the rice price as this year’s harvest has been satisfactory unlike last year when cyclone Amphan damaged crops.
“We won’t tolerate any manipulation with the price,” he said pointing to mill owners and traders.
The minister also asked the authorities concerned to investigate whether any licensed rice trader is involved in storing rice illegally. Strict action will be taken against wrong-doers, he said.
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Abdul Hannan, a spokesperson for mill owners, said the price of fine rice can’t be reduced as its demand is high.
He also urged the government to take steps in importing rice to stabilise the market.