State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M. Iqbal Hossain MP emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy against hoarding and extortion during a meeting with local traders at the Gauripur Upazila Parishad office in Mymensingh on Friday morning. He said that traders who illegally stockpile essential goods to raise prices are enemies of the nation and that such practices are strictly prohibited in Islam. He urged business owners to unite against extortionists and to report any such activities to law enforcement agencies.

During the meeting, the minister also announced efforts to upgrade Gauripur’s 50-bed hospital to a 100-bed facility and plans to build a children’s recreation park in the municipal area. The event was chaired by Gauripur Combined Business Forum convener Md. Mahbubul Alam Faruk and attended by several local business leaders.

Later that day, the minister inaugurated road construction work on the municipal market road, accompanied by local administrative and police officials.