Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, Minister for Religious Affairs Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad issued a stern warning to traders engaged in price gouging or black marketing, vowing that severe action would be taken against those destabilising the market. He controversially declared that such offenders would face the ultimate punishment: being “thrown into the Bay of Bengal.”
The warning came on Wednesday, 18 February, following the National Moon-Sighting Committee meeting held at Baitul Mukarram, hosted by the Islamic Foundation. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the minister emphasised that adherence to divine law is essential for national peace.
“We must operate according to Allah’s commandments; only then can peace prevail in the country. If we act outside divine guidance, peace will never be achieved. I am confident that under the leadership of our Prime Minister, we will take action against all black marketers, God willing. Our Prime Minister is exceptionally firm on this matter. She listens only to the people, not anyone else,” Kazi Kaikobad stated.
He urged citizens to embrace the spiritual essence of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. “During this sacred month, offer two rakats of Nafl prayer and supplicate for guidance. May Allah grant us the wisdom to govern the nation according to His will,” the minister added.
In Bangladesh, Ramadan is not only a period of religious devotion but also a time when market monitoring becomes critical to prevent exploitation. Authorities, including the Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection, the local administration, and police units, actively monitor prices and enforce penalties to ensure fair trade practices.
The table below summarises the government’s key initiatives for market oversight during Ramadan:
| Initiative | Responsible Agency | Objective | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Monitoring | Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection | Maintain stable prices of essential goods | Daily inspections, reports, and enforcement |
| Anti-Black Market Operations | District Administration & Police | Identify and penalise violators | Initial warnings followed by legal action |
| Social Support & Relief | Local Administration & Social Services | Provide essential commodities to low-income families | Focus on underprivileged communities |
Experts note that the minister’s remarks, while provocative, underscore the government’s commitment to consumer protection and social equity during Ramadan. With rising prices of staples such as rice, sugar, and cooking oil in recent years, strict oversight is considered essential to safeguard the interests of ordinary citizens.
Kazi Kaikobad’s statement signals both a spiritual and regulatory approach: emphasising piety, prayer, and adherence to moral conduct while reinforcing the state’s readiness to take uncompromising action against economic malpractice. Citizens are thus reminded that Ramadan is not only a time of fasting and devotion but also of vigilance against unethical practices in commerce.