Bhola: Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Wednesday warned that legal action would be taken if any trader found involved in increasing prices of essentials ahead of Ramadan.

‘There is enough stock of essentials including sugar, dates, pulses and others,’ said the minister while exchanging views with a group of businessmen at his residence in the district town on Wednesday.

He also urged the businessmen to remain alert so that prices of essentials can be kept stable during the month of Ramadan.

‘There is no reason behind price hike of essentials as huge commodities are in stock comparing to the demand. Besides, Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will start open market sale of daily commodities from May 6,’ said Tofail.

The minister also said special teams will conduct drives to check food adulteration during the month.

The Minister also distributed Tk 15 lakh among 52 traders affected by a recent fire incident from the party fund while Tk 10,000 each from Bhola Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Tk 6,000, two bundles of tin from the local administration.