Dhaka:The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has imposed fines totaling Taka 4.84 lakh on 91 business establishments for various irregularities observed during a nationwide drive aimed at ensuring price stability of essential commodities and enforcing sales of LPG cylinders at government-fixed rates.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the operation was conducted today across 30 districts, including the Dhaka metropolitan area, by 40 teams from the directorate. The campaign's objective was to stabilize prices of essential goods such as fruits, rice, lentils, and edible oil, ensure a normal supply of products, and prevent the overpricing of gas cylinders.
During the inspections, the teams assessed wholesale and retail markets to verify if businesses displayed updated price lists and maintained proper purchase and sales receipts. They also monitored potential manipulation of weights and measures, sale of expired products and medicines, and checked for stockpiling of LPG cylinders. Compliance with cylinder safety regulations and the sale of expired cylinders were also scrutinized.
Special attention was given to the edible oil market to determine if there was any supply shortage and to confirm the availability of bottled edible oil in one-litre and two-litre sizes. Traders were instructed to avoid creating artificial shortages, unjustified stockpiling, or obstructing the supply of essential commodities. They were also warned to display updated price lists prominently, ensure accurate weights and measures, and sell gas cylinders at government-fixed prices.
To enhance public awareness, leaflets and pamphlets were distributed among consumers and traders, providing necessary instructions. The market monitoring teams were supported by representatives from relevant government departments, law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), and concerned industry and business associations.
The DNCRP advised consumers against purchasing more products than necessary to avoid panic buying, which could lead to artificial shortages. It urged consumers to verify price lists, maximum retail prices (MRPs), production dates, and expiry dates before making purchases. Additionally, consumers were encouraged to ensure accurate weights and measures and collect purchase receipts from sellers.
The directorate has called on consumers to report any irregularities or fraudulent practices when purchasing goods by contacting its hotline 16121. The DNCRP emphasized that such monitoring activities will continue to maintain market discipline, fair pricing, normal supply of commodities, and ensure safe and hygienic food.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha