Breaking with country’s long-standing trend of rising commodity prices ahead of festivals, business leaders in Chattogram on Monday announced plans to reduce prices of essential goods ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, following an initiative led by Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian.

The announcement came at a press conference held at the Chattogram Circuit House conference hall, where the district administration launched a campaign promoting festive discounts under the slogan: "Prices will fall during festivals, joy will rise."

Presiding over the event, the DC said Bangladesh had developed an "unwritten culture" where prices tend to increase during major festivals, unlike many countries where seasonal discounts and promotional sales are common.

"Festivals are meant to be shared by everyone. The joy of Eid should not be limited to affluent families only," he said.

Criticising what he described as attempts by a section of traders to create artificial shortages and earn excessive profits during festive seasons, he said, "I do not consider such people businessmen; I consider them enemies of the state."

He, however, said the majority of business leaders had responded positively to the initiative.

As part of the campaign, discussions were held with wholesale market representatives and supermarket chains including Swapno, Agora, The Basket, Khulshi Mart and Shopping Bag.

According to the district administration, discounts ranging from 2 to 5 percent on essential products such as onions, garlic, ginger, flour and edible oil have been announced, while prices of some items may be reduced by Tk 50 to Tk 800.

Business representatives from Khatunganj, Reazuddin Bazaar and Terry Bazaar also expressed support for the initiative and said they would work to keep prices affordable for consumers.

Bangladesh Shop Owners Association and Reazuddin Bazaar Traders' Welfare Association President Alhaj Md Salamat Ali said special discounts on spice products would be offered from May 22 to 24.

The DC said the administration would continue monitoring retail markets to ensure discounted prices are maintained beyond wholesale levels and warned that mobile courts would be conducted if necessary.

"Our goal is not to create fear through enforcement but to ensure an environment where everyone can celebrate peacefully," he said.

Officials from the district administration, law enforcement agencies, intelligence organisations, business associations and media outlets attended the event.