Floating warehouse for hoarding!

Each year, during the holy month of Ramadan, a group of unscrupulous traders resorts to manipulation to maximise profits at the expense of ordinary consumers. This time, however, the practice has taken on a troubling new form. Instead of relying solely on land-based warehouses, traders are now using waterways as storage hubs, keeping imported goods on lighter vessels that function as so-called "floating warehouses". By deliberately withholding supply without unloading products into the market, they are reportedly engineering an artificial crisis. This tactic is not only unethical but also a blatant violation of the law.
Although overall market supply appears adequate, wholesale prices of essentials such as chickpeas, sugar and edible oil have already begun to rise. Traders in the capital allege that importers are systematically delaying the release of goods by detaining lighter ships for extended periods. This deliberate bottleneck in the supply chain is pushing prices beyond the reach of low- and middle-income households, turning daily necessities into luxuries.
The syndicate's use of waterways as a shield for hoarding represents a serious threat to economic stability. It undermines fair competition, distorts the market and erodes public trust. In response, the government's decision to form a special task force led by the Department of Shipping is a timely and welcome move. The inclusion of the Bangladesh Coast Guard, Naval Police and the district administration strengthens the effort to detect and dismantle this invisible hoarding network across waterways.
Under the Food Production, Storage and Marketing (Prevention of Harmful Activities) Act, 2023, stockpiling beyond prescribed limits is a serious offence, carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Yet laws are only effective when enforced. Without visible action on the ground, these criminal networks will continue to thrive.

Md. Noor Hamza Peash
LL.B. Student
Department of Law
The World University of Bangladesh