Bangladesh, Aug. 12 -- The government has stepped up efforts to curb abnormal price rises in essential commodities, directing district commissioners (DCs) to take legal action against traders involved in artificial shortages, illegal hoarding, syndication and selling goods above government-fixed prices.

Advertisement The instruction was issued by the commerce ministry following a high-level meeting, chaired by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir recently, according to the ministry sources.

The DCs have been asked to conduct regular and strict monitoring of local markets to prevent artificial shortages, illegal hoarding and overpricing.

They have also been instructed to operate mobile courts and take immediate legal action again...