Dhaka, March 21 -- Powerful syndicates are manipulating prices, controlling supply and influencing market trends, affecting both small businesses and consumers in the wholesale markets, and this is happening despite strict government actions, according to market insiders.

Authorities responsible for monitoring the wholesale market, which plays a crucial role in the supply chain, ensuring goods reach retailers and consumers, have failed to curb these practices, said retailers and consumers.

Wholesale markets act as intermediaries between producers-such as farmers or manufacturers-and retailers. Goods arrive in bulk and are distributed further down the supply chain. Ideally, these markets should function on the principles of supply and de...