Bangladesh, Oct. 21 -- The government has declared Bangladesh Betel Leaf Exporters Association dormant over allegations of anti-competitive practices, extortion and regulatory non-compliance, citing adverse impacts on farmers and the country's betel leaf exports.

To this effect, the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) issued a notification in this connection on October 18. The decision was taken under Section 6(1) of the Trade Organizations Act, 2022, and Rule 9(2) of the Trade Organizations Rules, 2025.

The notice alleged that the association's activities created significant barriers in the betel leaf export sector.

According to the notification, the association was involved in forming syndicates, delaying export procedures and extortion, res...