Dhaka, Oct. 3 -- Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir Saturday expressed displeasure over the abnormal rise in malta prices and asked traders how the fruit is retailing at Tk 520 per kg even after accounting for import cost, duties and taxes.

"There will be no scope for unjustified price hikes in the market," the minister said at a meeting with traders and representatives of government agencies at the Ministry of Commerce conference room.

He urged importers to open letters of credit (LCs) quickly and raise imports of malta, dates and other fruits to keep prices under control.

He directed the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection to take action if evidence of selling malta at abnormal prices is found.

Traders said a ...