The Commerce Minister, Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, has stated that the market in the country will no longer be controlled through syndicates. He said that the notion of market control through syndicates would be entirely removed from Bangladesh, emphasising a policy stance against such practices.
He made these remarks on Saturday morning while inaugurating the country’s first direct farmer sales centre, titled ‘Krishoker Haat’ (Farmers’ Market), at Tilagarh in Sylhet city. The initiative has been introduced by the district administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension.
During the inauguration, the minister reiterated that the objective of the new market facility is to enable farmers to sell their own produce directly to consumers, thereby reducing intermediary influence in the supply chain. According to the district administration, the establishment of this market is intended to help dismantle syndicate-based practices by allowing producers to engage directly with buyers.
The minister also said that, in order to stabilise prices of import-dependent commodities, the entire national supply chain would be integrated into an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model. He stated that this system would improve market monitoring and contribute to maintaining overall stability in market conditions.
In addition, he announced that the scope of operations of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will be expanded. At the same time, the government aims to reduce the annual subsidy expenditure associated with TCB operations. He noted that the government currently allocates approximately 3,200 to 3,300 crore taka annually for TCB-related subsidies.
The minister further stated that arrangements would be made across the country to ensure that farmers are able to sell their produce directly to consumers at least one day per week. He added that Deputy Commissioners in every district would be responsible for implementing the necessary arrangements to facilitate this system.
Key Statements and Measures
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Inauguration of ‘Krishoker Haat’ (Farmers’ Market) |
| Location | Tilagarh, Sylhet city |
| Organisers | District Administration and Department of Agricultural Extension |
| Main policy statement | Markets will no longer be controlled through syndicates |
| Market reform initiative | Introduction of direct farmer-to-consumer sales |
| Supply chain management | Integration into an AI-based monitoring model |
| TCB operations | Expansion of activities with planned reduction of subsidy expenditure |
| Annual subsidy estimate | Approximately 3,200–3,300 crore taka |
| Nationwide initiative | Weekly direct sales opportunities for farmers, coordinated by district administrations |
The statements delivered at the inauguration focused on restructuring the agricultural marketing system by increasing direct participation of producers, reducing intermediary dominance, and introducing technology-driven oversight in supply chain management. The proposed measures also include institutional expansion of state-run market support mechanisms and district-level implementation of direct sales arrangements for farmers.