JHENAIDAH : Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today warned of stern action against market syndicates and hoarding, saying the government is working to dismantle such syndicates.

"We will move forward with the aim of dismantling syndicates in all sectors so that marginal farmers can benefit. Traders have formed syndicates in the markets, holding farmers hostage. Special Powers Act will be applied against market syndicates and hoarding. The maximum punishment for hoarding under The Special Powers Act, 1974, is death. Therefore, those who engage in hoarding should think twice before doing so," he said.

The minister made the remarks after inspecting the wholesale markets for jute and onions in Shailkupa of Jhenaidah this morning.

"Farmers do not get fair prices despite growing crops through hard work. After bringing their produce to the markets, farmers become hostage to syndicates. They have to pay an additional two kilograms of jute or onions per maund (40 kilograms) as extortion," the minister further said.

Besides, market cleaners and transgender people also collect money from the farmers. As a result, farmers are effectively giving 45 kilograms for every maund, which is unfair, he added.

Md Asaduzzaman said instructions have already been issued to all the local retail and wholesale markets to dismantle the syndicates.

Upazilla BNP presidents Abul Hossain and general secretary Humayun Babor Feroz, were present, among others during the visit.