The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has fined 95 businesses a total of Tk5,60,500 for various irregularities during a nationwide market monitoring drive aimed at keeping the prices and supply of essential commodities stable.
The directorate conducted the drive today (6 October) through 51 teams across 38 districts, including Dhaka.
The teams inspected wholesale and retail businesses, monitoring the prices and supply of essential commodities and checking for various activities that violate consumer rights, according to the directorate.
During the inspections, officials checked whether businesses were properly displaying updated price lists and charging prices above the prescribed rates. They also checked for irregularities in weights and measurements, the sale of expired products and medicines, and the production and sale of counterfeit and adulterated goods.
Business owners were instructed to display accurate and updated price lists prominently, sell products at prescribed prices, and ensure accurate weights and measurements.
They were also warned against hoarding and creating artificial shortages, as well as selling counterfeit, adulterated or expired products. Businesses were instructed to preserve purchase and sales receipts and provide them to customers.
The monitoring teams also distributed leaflets and publicity materials among consumers and traders to raise awareness.
Members of law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and representatives of local industry and trade associations assisted the directorate during the drive.
The directorate advised consumers not to buy more products than necessary and to check price lists, maximum retail prices, and production and expiry dates before purchasing goods.
Consumers were also advised to check weights and measurements and collect receipts from sellers.
The directorate urged consumers to report any irregularities or fraud through its hotline at 16121.
It said such monitoring drives will continue to ensure market discipline, fair prices, and consumer rights.
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