, Nov. 9 -- The government may permit onion imports if prices in the local market fail to ease within this week, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said on Sunday, citing concerns over a possible supply shortage.

"If prices don't come down, we'll allow imports - the ministry has already received 2,800 applications," he told reporters at a briefing at the Commerce Ministry.

Responding to a question about possible market manipulation or syndication behind the sudden spike, the adviser said, "Show us where the syndicate is .we'll take action with full authority."

He said market monitoring is ongoing, with the Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection and the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission continuing their surveillance.

"I...