Dhaka:The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has fined 95 business establishments a total of Tk 10.16 lakh for various irregularities during a nationwide market monitoring drive. The operation aimed to ensure compliance with pricing and safety regulations across 38 districts, including the Dhaka metropolitan area.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the drive focused on monitoring the prices of essential commodities, particularly edible oil, and ensuring the sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders at government-fixed prices. A total of 54 teams from the directorate conducted inspections at wholesale and retail markets.
The teams checked if business establishments were displaying updated price lists and maintaining proper purchase and sales receipts. They also monitored the use of weights and measures, the sale of expired goods and medicines, illegal stockpiling of LPG cylinders, compliance with cylinder safety regulations, and the sale of expired cylinders.
During the drive, traders received instructions not to create artificial shortages or engage in unreasonable stockpiling. Additionally, the monitoring campaign included public awareness activities, with leaflets and pamphlets distributed among consumers and traders.
Members of law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, representatives of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), and relevant trade and industry associations assisted the DNCRP teams. The directorate urged consumers to refrain from excessive buying and advised them to check displayed price lists, MRPs, and expiry dates before making purchases.
Consumers experiencing irregularities were encouraged to lodge complaints through the DNCRP hotline 16121. The directorate emphasized that such market monitoring drives would continue to ensure market discipline, fair prices, uninterrupted supply of commodities, and safe and hygienic food.