From farm to table: regulating price instability in Bangladesh’s agricultural food supply chain

Abstract This study examines agricultural food price instability in Bangladesh, which is driven by market manipulation, regulatory inefficiencies, and external environmental and economic pressures. The research evaluates the regulatory framework governing Bangladesh’s agricultural food supply chain, focusing on key legislations and their limitations. Using a qualitative methodology, the study analyzes legal frameworks, scholarly literature, and media reports to assess regulatory effectiveness. It proposes a responsive approach that combines initial persuasion with strict enforcement and penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the paper explores the persistence of agricultural food price instability despite the recent transition to an interim government in Bangladesh, highlighting the need for systemic reforms beyond political shifts. The research offers valuable insights into the relationship between regulatory effectiveness and market dynamics in ensuring agricultural food security.