Dhaka:The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has imposed fines amounting to Tk 11.35 lakh on 107 business establishments for various irregularities during nationwide operations in 37 districts. These efforts were part of a broader initiative to stabilize the prices of essential commodities and ensure the sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders at government-fixed rates.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DNCRP dispatched 56 teams to conduct simultaneous special drives in wholesale and retail markets across the country, including in Dhaka city. The operations focused on maintaining price stability for essential items such as fruits, beef, and poultry, while ensuring that LPG cylinders were not sold above government-regulated prices.
During the inspections, the DNCRP teams checked for compliance with various regulations. They verified whether businesses displayed updated price lists, maintained accurate weights and measures, stored and provided purchase and sales receipts, and refrained from selling expired products and medicines. The teams also monitored LPG cylinder stocks, compliance with safety standards, and checked for the sale of expired cylinders.
Moreover, the teams instructed traders to avoid creating artificial shortages, unreasonable stockpiling, or disrupting the normal supply of essential commodities. Business owners were urged to display visible price lists, ensure accurate weights and measurements, and sell LPG cylinders at the prescribed government prices.
To increase public awareness, the DNCRP teams distributed leaflets and pamphlets among consumers and traders, offering necessary guidance. The market monitoring activities were supported by representatives from relevant government departments, law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), and associated industry and trade groups.
The DNCRP also advised consumers to avoid purchasing commodities in excess of their actual needs, as this could lead to artificial shortages. It encouraged consumers to check price lists, maximum retail prices, manufacturing and expiry dates before buying, ensure accurate weights and measurements, and collect purchase receipts from sellers.
Consumers experiencing irregularities or fraud were encouraged to report such issues via the DNCRP hotline 16121. The directorate affirmed that these monitoring drives would continue to ensure market discipline, fair pricing, and the safe and hygienic supply of food across the country.