Dhaka:The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has gathered Tk 5.36 crore in fines through 5,097 market monitoring operations across the country from July to September this year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DNCRP fined 5,554 business entities for various infractions, including selling products at inflated prices, unwarranted stockpiling, creating artificial shortages, and manipulating weights and measurements.
The DNCRP has intensified its market surveillance to maintain stable prices and supply of essential goods and to safeguard consumer rights. The authorities regularly oversee the prices and availability of key commodities such as edible oil, chickpeas, and pulses in both wholesale and retail markets. Legal action is taken against businesses found guilty of abnormal price hikes, overpricing, unjustified stockpiling, or attempts to create artificial shortages.
Additionally, the directorate has been conducting raids to prevent the sale of expired food products and medicines, and to curb the production and distribution of counterfeit and adulterated goods. The DNCRP has also enhanced its monitoring to ensure product quality, validity of expiry dates, and accuracy in weights and measurements.
During these operations, officials instruct businesses to display updated price lists prominently and warn traders against disrupting the normal supply of goods, urging them to maintain accurate weights and measurements. The DNCRP also inspects hotels and restaurants to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, emphasizing transparency in pricing and adherence to existing business regulations.
In parallel with enforcement activities, the directorate distributes leaflets and conducts awareness campaigns to educate traders and consumers about their rights and responsibilities. DNCRP Director General Md Zahirul Islam stated that the directorate conducts regular inspections across different regions and imposes fines only when irregularities are detected.
He emphasized that the objective of these operations is not solely to collect fines but also to enhance awareness among traders and consumers through leaflet distribution and publicity initiatives. Establishments that persist in irregular practices despite repeated fines are sealed by the directorate, he noted.
The director general highlighted that market discipline cannot be achieved through enforcement drives alone, stressing the need for traders to conduct their businesses ethically. A collective and responsible approach from all stakeholders is crucial to creating a safe Bangladesh, he added.