Dhaka, April 21 -- Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today (Tuesday) issued a stern warning, stating that the government will not tolerate any form of artificial crisis or market manipulation.

"No individual or group would be allowed to hold the market hostage in a nation of 180 million people," he said, BSS reports.

The Minister made these remarks while talking to journalists after a routine review meeting on the price and supply situation of daily necessities at the Ministry of Commerce conference room in the city.

The Minister acknowledged that the current global climate, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, has placed significant pressure on energy and supply chains.

However, he reassured the public that the gove...