Market monitoring drives were conducted across Dhaka metropolitan city and all divisions and districts of the country on Monday to monitor the prices of essential commodities and prevent various consumer rights violations.
The monitoring teams inspected markets and business establishments to check whether updated price lists were properly displayed, prevent manipulation in weights and measures, stop the sale of expired products and medicines, and curb the production and sale of counterfeit and adulterated goods.
According to the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP), 49 teams conducted drives in Dhaka and 39 districts, fining and collecting a total of Tk 11.41 lakh from 106 establishments for various irregularities.
As part of the campaign, leaflets and pamphlets were distributed among consumers and traders, while necessary instructions were issued to raise awareness about consumer rights and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Members of law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, representatives of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and representatives of relevant business and trade associations assisted the DNCRP teams during the monitoring drives.
The DNCRP urged traders to display updated and accurate price lists at visible locations and refrain from charging prices higher than those fixed by the authorities. Traders were also advised against hoarding and creating artificial shortages, and instructed to ensure accurate weights and measures, avoid selling counterfeit, adulterated or expired products, and provide and preserve purchase receipts.
Consumers were advised not to purchase more goods than necessary, as excessive buying can contribute to artificial shortages in the market. They were also urged to check price lists, verify the weight and quantity of products, and examine the maximum retail price (MRP), manufacturing date and expiry date before making purchases.
The DNCRP further advised consumers not to pay more than the stipulated price and to collect purchase receipts from sellers.
Consumers who are deceived or face irregularities while purchasing products have been urged to lodge complaints with the DNCRP through its hotline 16121.
