NABINAGAR, BRAHMANBARIA, June 25: About 50 maunds of onions have rotted and spread a strong stench in Nabinagar Upazila of Brahmanbaria after being allegedly stockpiled for excessive profit, causing severe inconvenience to local residents.
Local trader Abul Hossain reportedly stored a large quantity of onions in a locked room in Sohata Village under Nabinagar Municipality in an attempt to earn higher profits by creating artificial scarcity in the market.
However, after remaining stored for a long period, around 50 maunds of onions rotted, creating a foul smell that has made it nearly impossible for nearby residents to stay in their homes.
Locals said the trader had hidden the essential commodity in hopes of selling it at higher prices by manipulating market supply. They alleged that due to negligence and greed, the stock has now turned into waste and is polluting the entire area.
“Its pungent smell has made living unbearable. Women, children and elderly people are suffering badly,” said local resident Saiful Mia.
Residents demanded strict legal action against the alleged hoarder, saying such activities disrupt market stability and waste public resources.
Following complaints from affected locals, the matter was reported to the Nabinagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and the municipal administration.
The UNO directed the Assistant Commissioner (Land) to visit the site immediately and take legal action against trader Abul Hossain.
Locals and civil society members welcomed the swift administrative response, expressing hope that a mobile court operation would ensure exemplary punishment so that no one dares to hoard essential food items and destabilise the market in the future.
