119 businesses fined over Tk 9.21 lakh for market irregularities in 45 districts

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has fined 119 businesses across the country a total of Tk 921,500 for irregularities in the market for daily essentials and for selling gas cylinders above the government-fixed price.

On Monday (9 November), 60 teams of the directorate carried out the drive simultaneously in Dhaka city and 45 districts of the country. The fines were imposed after raids on various wholesale and retail businesses.

The directorate said the special monitoring drive was conducted to keep the prices of daily essentials, including fruits, rice, lentils and edible oil, stable, to ensure normal supply of goods, and to ensure that gas cylinders are sold at the government-fixed price.

During the drive, officials checked whether businesses displayed updated price lists, preserved and issued purchase and sale vouchers, and whether there was any tampering with weights and measures.

They also monitored the sale of expired products and medicines. The officials examined gas cylinder stocks, compliance with safety rules, and whether expired cylinders were being sold.

Traders were instructed not to create artificial shortages, not to stockpile unreasonably, and not to obstruct supply.

They were also warned to display price lists in visible places, ensure correct weights and measures, and sell gas cylinders at the government-fixed price.

Alongside market monitoring, leaflets and pamphlets were distributed to raise awareness among consumers and traders. Members of the law enforcement agencies of the concerned divisions and districts, health inspectors, representatives of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and of industry and merchant associations cooperated in the drive.

The directorate advised consumers not to buy more than they need. Before buying, shoppers were urged to check the price list, the maximum retail price, and the production and expiry dates, to make sure of the correct weight, and to collect a voucher from the seller.

Consumers who face any irregularity or fraud while buying goods were asked to complain to the directorate's hotline, 16121.

The directorate said such drives will continue to ensure discipline in the market, fair prices and normal supply of goods, as well as safe and hygienic food.