Bangladesh is home to a thriving market for essential goods, and this has a major weakness as well: the overwhelming control of a few powerful companies. Instead of competing, these firms cooperate, allowing them to dictate supply and prices.

Our anti-cartel enforcement mechanism has to be more comprehensive.

Demand-reducing measures are not policies that can reduce inflationary pressures.

A bolstered Competition Commission can initiate inquiries into alleged syndicates and cartels either on its own or based on complaints, thus keeping the market in check.