Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, May 18, 2026 (BSS) - Trade body leaders, chain-shop operators and retailers have responded positively to a special initiative taken by the Chattogram Deputy Commissioner (DC) aimed at preventing price hikes of essential commodities ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

The initiative, titled "Festive Sale", has been designed to encourage businesses and super shops to offer special discounts on high-demand products such as edible oil, atta, onions, ginger, garlic, dried chillies and cumin during Eid-ul-Azha.

At a views-exchange meeting held at the Circuit House conference room in Chattogram this noon, leaders of trade bodies, importers, wholesalers and representatives of super shops expressed their full support for the initiative. 

They also pledged to sell essential commodities at lower prices during the upcoming Eid season.

Besides offering goods at affordable retail prices, several super shop and market association leaders announced plans to launch special discount campaigns at different phases leading up to Eid.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah presided over the event and stressed the importance of ensuring affordable prices for consumers during Eid-ul-Azha celebrations.

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, the DC highlighted Chattogram's historical importance and its potential as the country's major commercial and economic hub. 

He said the district administration is committed to promoting a new culture of market management focused on public welfare.

He added that market monitoring will be strengthened through mobile courts and special supervisors, and strict action will be taken against market manipulators.

Additional District Magistrate Syed Mahbubul Haque, Acting DC (Prosecution) Mohammad Hasan Iqbal Chowdhury, DIG of DIFE Mohammad Mahbubul Hasan, President of Chittagong Press Club Zahidul Karim Kachi, President of Chittagong Metropolitan Union of Journalists Mohammad Shah Nowaz, BGMEA Director Enamul Aziz Chowdhury, Head of Advocacy of YPSA Muhammed Ali Shahin and representatives of various trade and market associations took part in the discussion.