The taskforce will fix the retail prices in consultation with big and medium importers of essential items such as rice, lentil, wheat, sugar, edible oil, onion, garlic, ginger, salt and powdered milk, the association leaders said in a press statement.

The association also requested the government to set up at least 10 wholesale markets immediately for equal distribution of the essential goods in the metropolitan area.

The wholesale markets could be set up in the metropolitan's Uttara, Basundhara, Rampura, Kamalapur, Banani, Dhupkhola Math, Dhanmondi, Shantinagar, Mirpur and Kachukhet area, the association said.

The association leaders also asked the city corporation to display price lists of locally produced essential items such as aubergine, cucumber, tomato and green chili in wholesale and retail markets to protect unusual price hike during the Ramadan.

The shop owners also recommended a simple transport system so that the producers can carry their produces at cheaper costs and sell the commodities directly to wholesalers in Dhaka.

They also urged the government to restructure the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to improve the commodity supply situation.