The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) conducts over 1,500 operations monthly to break market syndicates and regulate the market. 

Director General Mohammad Alim Akhter Khan is focused on extending the DNCRP's reach to grassroots levels. 

In a recent interview, he shared insights on market challenges and DNCRP's initiatives. 

Question: Despite government efforts, prices of essential goods remain high. What are the limitations of market management?

Answer: It’s not accurate to say that prices are not decreasing. Prices of items like vegetables and eggs have come down compared to earlier. However, for certain goods, prices have not decreased to the expected extent.

Question: Are DNCRP's initiatives bringing any changes to traditional market practices?

Answer: Market discipline involves multiple factors, such as ensuring markets operate in designated areas and preventing extortion. Law enforcement agencies oversee these aspects. Regarding price control, over 50 teams conduct operations daily across districts, including 8–9 teams in Dhaka city, even on holidays. Collaborative efforts from other organizations would amplify the positive impact. Restoring old market practices isn’t something DNCRP can achieve alone.

Question: What steps are being taken to address middlemen exploitation and market syndicates? How many operations are being conducted monthly?

Answer: DNCRP continuously discourages middlemen, which has had a positive impact. We conduct over 1,500 operations monthly to dismantle syndicates and regulate the market.

Question: Despite fines, unethical traders often revert to old practices. What permanent solutions can you suggest?

Answer: When a significant portion of society is involved in wrongdoing, it becomes impossible for DNCRP to manage alone. To break these long-standing habits and practices, political and social leadership must step in.

Question: Ramadan often sees an increase in adulterated and counterfeit goods. What is DNCRP's plan to stabilize the market this year?

Answer: Prices typically rise during Ramadan. This year, the government has taken preemptive measures, such as reducing duties and tariffs on key Ramadan items like soybean oil, sugar, chickpeas, dates, and vermicelli. Businesses have also been invited to increase supply.

DNCRP gives high priority to addressing adulteration. We take strict action against verified complaints and urge local administration, city corporations, and district-level bodies to remain vigilant. Preparations for Ramadan are already underway, and we are scaling up efforts.

Question: Despite tariff reductions on some essentials, prices are not decreasing as expected. Why?

Answer: Businesses need to operate ethically, ensuring their profit margins are not exorbitant. This culture must become ingrained among all traders. We encourage them to recognize their societal responsibility and avoid harming others for personal gain. Our operations will continue to monitor compliance.

Question: Low-income groups are struggling. Should TCB’s activities be expanded?

Answer: TCB is doing its best. Previously, there were allegations of ineligible individuals accessing dealership benefits. TCB is now identifying and removing such individuals from the system, canceling dealership licenses, and taking legal action against violators.

Question: How many operations has DNCRP conducted this year?

Answer: So far this year, we have conducted 7,245 market inspections, penalized 15,031 establishments, and collected over 99.4 million taka in fines. During July and August, political and social circumstances hindered operations, but our primary goal remains to ensure affordable access to goods rather than imposing fines.

Question: What additional measures are being considered to raise consumer awareness?

Answer: I have personally visited key districts and observed significant awareness among consumers. Our assistant directors conduct daily inspections in local markets, supported by organizations like the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB).

We are organizing awareness programs such as seminars, posters, leaflets, and public notices. These initiatives will be expanded further.

Question: What is DNCRP’s future plan to ensure consumer relief?

Answer: Our plan includes addressing the limitations in implementing the powers granted by law, activating organizations associated with consumer rights, and addressing shortages in manpower and equipment. These areas are being given top priority.

Source: Kaler Kantho

BDST: 1219 HRS, DEC 26, 2024