The Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection (DNCRP) fined 72 businesses a total of Tk 7,44,500 during market inspections conducted across Dhaka and 30 districts yesterday, as part of a nationwide drive to monitor prices and prevent consumer rights violations.
A total of 38 teams of the directorate carried out the inspections on September 16, according to a DNCRP statement.
The teams monitored the prices of essential commodities and checked whether businesses were displaying updated price lists, using accurate weights and measures, and refraining from selling expired goods and medicines.
They also inspected markets and business establishments to prevent the production and sale of counterfeit and adulterated products.
The inspections were conducted in Dhaka metropolitan areas as well as at divisional and district levels across the country.
During the drives, officials also distributed leaflets and pamphlets among consumers and traders and provided necessary instructions to raise awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities.
Members of law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, representatives of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), and representatives of relevant trade and business associations assisted DNCRP teams during the inspections.
The directorate said such monitoring would continue in the public interest.
DNCRP’s instructions to traders
The DNCRP urged traders to display updated and accurate price lists at visible locations in their establishments and refrain from charging consumers more than the prescribed prices.
Traders were also asked not to engage in hoarding or create artificial shortages in the market.
The directorate instructed businesses to ensure accurate weights and measurements and refrain from selling counterfeit, adulterated or expired products.
It also required that receipts be issued by the traders and kept at the time of purchase and sale of goods.
Consumers urged to remain vigilant
The DNCRP also urged consumers not to purchase more goods than necessary, warning that excessive buying could contribute to artificial shortages in the market.
Consumers were advised to check price lists before purchasing products and verify their weight and measurements.
They were also asked to check the maximum retail price, production date and expiry date before buying packaged goods.
The directorate advised consumers not to pay more than the prescribed price and to collect a purchase receipt or voucher from sellers.
Consumers who believe they have been cheated while purchasing goods can lodge complaints with the DNCRP through its hotline at 16121.
The directorate said its market monitoring activities would continue across the country to protect consumers’ rights, discourage unfair business practices and help maintain stability in the market.
