National Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection fined 87 institutions a total of Tk7,71,500 across 31 districts, including Dhaka metropolitan area, on Sunday, in nationwide drives to regulate the markets for gas cylinders, edible oil and other essential commodities.
Forty-six monitoring teams conducted simultaneous operations at wholesale and retail markets. The drives focused on gas cylinder and edible oil supply conditions, compliance with government-set prices and preventing artificial crises, said a press release of Commerce Ministry.
Inspections covered the display of updated price lists, overcharging above set prices, manipulation of weights and measures, sale of expired products and medicines, and the production and marketing of counterfeit and adulterated goods.
Traders were instructed to display correct price lists in visible locations, sell at set prices and preserve purchase and sale receipts. They were warned against illegal hoarding, creating artificial crises and overcharging consumers.
Leaflets and publicity materials were distributed to raise awareness among consumers and traders. Law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh and representatives of relevant trade organisations assisted the drives.
The directorate advised consumers not to buy more than needed so that normal market demand and supply are maintained. It asked them to verify price lists, maximum retail prices, production and expiry dates before purchase and to collect receipts.
Consumers facing overcharging, fraud or other irregularities were asked to report to the directorate’s hotline 16121.
The directorate said regular monitoring and drives would continue nationwide to ensure normal supply, fair prices and consumer protection in essential commodity markets.
