Dhaka, July 20 -- Speakers at a stakeholder dialogue said that unrestrained extortion in the transportation sector and a lack of effective market surveillance are the main reasons behind rising prices of essential commodities in local markets.

They said this while speaking at a dialogue titled "Protecting Consumer and Business Interests Through Effective Market Monitoring," organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on Saturday.

Speakers highlighted several key factors of influence in prices, including artificial shortages, substandard products, insecure transportation, complex import procedures, insufficient storage facilities, and a lack of competition in product management.

They further noted that the absence of ef...