Dhaka:The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has fined 103 businesses a total of Taka 7.57 lakh for various irregularities detected during nationwide market monitoring drives. These efforts aimed to stabilize prices and ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DNCRP conducted the drives with 54 teams across 40 districts, including the Dhaka metropolis. The focus was on monitoring wholesale and retail markets to check the prices and supply situation of essential commodities such as edible oil, chickpeas, and pulses.
The directorate emphasized the importance of businesses displaying updated price lists, selling products at prescribed prices, and maintaining accurate weights and measurements. Additionally, the teams worked to prevent the sale of expired goods and medicines and ensured compliance with regulations by hotels and restaurants.
Businesses were warned to display updated price lists prominently and maintain accurate weights and measurements. Awareness was raised through the distribution of leaflets and pamphlets. Representatives from government departments, law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), and relevant industry and trade associations assisted in the monitoring efforts.
The DNCRP also advised consumers to avoid purchasing more than necessary to prevent artificial shortages and unnecessary demand pressure. Consumers were encouraged to check price lists, maximum retail prices, production dates, expiry dates, verify weights and measurements, and collect purchase receipts.
The directorate invited consumers to report any irregularities or fraud through its hotline at 16121. The DNCRP stated that these monitoring activities would continue to maintain market discipline, ensure fair prices, and sustain the normal supply of essential commodities.