Dhaka, Aug. 30 -- A new essential commodities law incorporating strict punitive actions against market manipulations is in the making with an array of items on the shopping list to protect consumers across Bangladesh, sources say.

The proposed law, titled 'Essential Commodities Act 2025', is being framed in the context of global and local market dynamics by abolishing the existing 'Control of Essential Commodities Act 1956'.

It will be framed within a couple of months or the next three months, they added.

Some new essential items are expected to expand the list of fair-price commodities in the new law. The items include rice, wheat, flour, poultry, eggs, milk, fish, soap, paddy, toothpaste, potato, detergents, black cumin, green chili,...