The joint forces will start monitoring the four wholesale kitchen markets in the capital from tomorrow with a view to keep the prices of essentials at a reasonable level ahead of Ramadan.

The joint forces also asked all the kitchen traders to maintain voucher while buying and selling goods. In addition, the authorities of all the retail kitchen markets will hang the prices of essentials on the price board from now on.

The decisions came yesterday after a meeting with the traders of different wholesale and retail kitchen markets in the capital. Officials from the army, Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and police were present at the meeting held at the Karwan Bazar wholesale market.

"The joint forces will patrol and sit at different kitchen markets from tomorrow to keep an eye on the prices of essentials," Col Abdul Halim, chief co-coordinator of Trade and Commerce Monitoring Cell (TCMC), BDR said.

The officials from the law enforcement agencies also assured the traders of solving their problems like extortion and police harassment.

The kitchen traders sought permission so that the vehicles carrying perishable goods can enter the capital in the daytime.

Col Halim assured the vegetables traders of assistance if criminals or any members from the law enforcement agencies demand toll from them. He also assured the traders that they can carry more than the capacity on a five-ton capacity truck.

Maj Imran, who had worked at Karwan Bazar posing as a labourer for a long time, submitted his observation on the market price to Col Halim.

Col Halim also vowed to take stern action if any trader does not maintain voucher while doing business and against those found responsible for the hike in prices of essentials. He also asked the traders to be reasonable while making profit.

The traders at the meeting agreed to make a profit of Tk 4 to 5 per kg of vegetables at the retail level.

In addition, the joint forces will monitor the wholesale markets at Shyampur, Jatrabari and Aminbazar.