Dhaka, Feb. 18 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged traders to exercise restraint in the market as the holy month of Ramadan is set to begin across the country on Thursday, warning against profiteering that could increase public suffering.

In a televised address to the nation at night, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a month of self-purification and stressed that its true spirit must be reflected in economic behaviour as well.

"If we truly understand the essence of self-purification, there should be no increase in people's suffering during this month," he said.

Observing that a tendency to make excessive profits is often noticed among some businesses during Ramadan, Tarique Rahman called upon traders not to treat the ...