Dhaka:The Directorate of National Consumers' Right Protection (DNCRP) has imposed fines totaling Tk 8.28 lakh on 92 business establishments across the country for various violations during market monitoring operations. These drives were conducted to ensure stable prices and the normal supply of essential commodities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the fines were levied during a special operation conducted simultaneously in 33 districts, including Dhaka city. The operation involved 51 teams from the directorate, who inspected wholesale and retail markets to monitor prices and the supply of essential goods, particularly edible oil, and to check for market irregularities.
The efforts focused on ensuring the display of updated price lists, preventing sales above government-fixed prices, and checking for irregularities in weights and measures. The teams also monitored the sale of expired products and medicines, the production and marketing of counterfeit and adulterated goods, and compliance with regulations by hotels and restaurants.
Traders were instructed not to create artificial shortages, hoard commodities, or disrupt market supply. They were also asked to display updated price lists prominently and ensure accurate weights and measures. To raise awareness, the teams distributed leaflets and pamphlets among consumers and traders, providing necessary instructions on compliance with market regulations.
Members of law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, representatives from the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), and officials of relevant industry and business associations assisted the monitoring teams.
The DNCRP urged consumers to avoid unnecessary purchases that could contribute to artificial shortages and advised them to check displayed price lists, maximum retail prices (MRPs), manufacturing, and expiry dates before buying products. Consumers were also asked to verify weights and measures and collect purchase receipts from sellers. The directorate requested consumers to report any irregularities or fraudulent practices by calling its hotline at 16121.
The DNCRP stated that such monitoring drives would continue to maintain market discipline, ensure fair prices, and uninterrupted supply of commodities, and promote safe and hygienic food.