The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has fined 100 businesses a total of Tk 748,500 for various irregularities during nationwide market monitoring drives aimed at keeping prices of essential commodities stable and ensuring normal supply.
The drives were conducted by 50 teams across 33 districts, including Dhaka metropolitan area, on Thursday. The teams inspected wholesale and retail businesses dealing in fruits, edible oil and other essential commodities.
The inspections focused on ensuring fair prices, preventing unjustified price hikes and overcharging, and maintaining an uninterrupted supply of essential goods.
During the drives, officials checked whether businesses were displaying updated price lists, maintaining and providing purchase and sales receipts, charging reasonable prices and using accurate weights and measures. They also monitored whether food was being prepared or sold in unhygienic conditions.
Traders were warned against creating artificial shortages, hoarding commodities unreasonably and obstructing normal supply. The authorities also instructed businesses to display updated price lists prominently and ensure accurate weights and measurements.
Fruit traders were specifically advised to sell produce at fair and reasonable prices and refrain from mixing rotten or spoiled fruits with fresh ones. They were also cautioned against using harmful chemicals or unauthorised substances on fruits.
The DNCRP urged consumers to check displayed prices and verify weights before purchasing goods. Buyers were also advised to check maximum retail prices (MRPs), manufacturing dates and expiry dates, where applicable, and collect receipts or vouchers from sellers.
Consumers facing overcharging, fraud or other irregularities while purchasing goods were asked to lodge complaints through the DNCRP hotline at 16121.
The directorate said such monitoring drives would continue to maintain market discipline, ensure fair prices and protect consumer interests by keeping the supply of essential commodities normal.
