DNCRP collects Tk 5.36 crore through nationwide market monitoring.
The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has collected Tk 5.36 crore in fines through 5,097 market monitoring drives across the country from July to September this year.
During the drives, the directorate fined 5,554 business establishments for various irregularities, including selling products at excessive prices, unjustified stockpiling, creating artificial shortages and manipulating weights and measurements.
The directorate has intensified market monitoring to maintain normal prices and supply of essential commodities and protect consumer rights.
According to DNCRP sources, the authorities regularly monitor the prices and supply of essential commodities, particularly edible oil, chickpeas and pulses, in wholesale and retail markets.
Legal action is taken against businesses when authorities detect abnormal price hikes, overpricing, unjustified stockpiling or attempts to create artificial shortages.
The directorate also conducts drives to prevent the sale of expired food products and medicines, as well as the production and marketing of counterfeit and adulterated goods. It has also strengthened monitoring to ensure product quality, expiry dates and accurate weights and measurements.
During the drives, officials instruct business establishments to display updated price lists at visible locations. They also warn traders against disrupting the normal supply of goods and urge them to ensure accurate weights and measurements.
The DNCRP also inspects hotels and restaurants to verify whether they comply with relevant laws and regulations. It emphasises transparency in charging consumers and compliance with existing business regulations.
Alongside enforcement activities, the directorate distributes leaflets and conducts awareness campaigns to educate traders and consumers about their rights and responsibilities.
DNCRP Director General Md Zahirul Islam told BSS that the directorate conducts regular drives in different parts of the country and imposes fines only when it detects irregularities.
He said the drives aim not only to collect fines but also to raise awareness among traders and consumers through leaflet distribution and other publicity activities.
"The directorate seals establishments that continue irregular practices despite repeated fines," he added.
The director general said market discipline could not be ensured through enforcement drives alone, stressing that traders must also conduct their businesses ethically.
A collective and responsible approach from all concerned is essential to build a safe Bangladesh, he added.
