Pabna:The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has destroyed approximately 12,000 bananas that were ripened using prohibited chemicals in Pabna. Additionally, 72 business establishments were fined a total of Taka 7.63 lakh during a series of special drives across 27 districts for various market irregularities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DNCRP conducted these operations to stabilize essential commodity prices, ensure a normal supply, and protect consumer rights to safe food. A total of 40 monitoring teams were deployed today in both wholesale and retail markets, including Dhaka city.
During these operations, the teams monitored and addressed several irregularities, such as excessive pricing, lack of displayed price lists, weight manipulation, selling expired products and medicines, and the production and marketing of adulterated food. A significant operation in the Rakhalgachhi area of Pabna district uncovered a facility using illegal chemicals to ripen bananas within 24 hours. This facility was fined Taka 50,000 under the Consumers' Right Protection Act, 2009, with the fine collected immediately.
Nationwide, traders were cautioned against creating artificial shortages, unreasonable stockpiling, and disruption of normal commodity supply. They were instructed to display updated price lists visibly, charge prices within prescribed limits, and ensure accurate weights and measures. The teams also assessed food quality and hygiene in hotels and restaurants.
Assistance was provided by law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), and relevant trade and business associations. Leaflets and pamphlets were distributed to raise awareness among consumers and traders.
The DNCRP encouraged consumers to avoid excessive purchases to prevent artificial shortages and advised them to verify price lists, maximum retail prices, manufacturing and expiry dates before buying products, and to collect receipts from sellers. Consumers were also asked to report any fraud, overcharging, or irregularities through the hotline 16121.
The DNCRP emphasized that these nationwide monitoring drives would continue to ensure fair prices, a steady supply of essential commodities, and safe food, while preventing the sale of counterfeit and adulterated products.
Source Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha