Mobile court fines trader Tk 50,000 for market irregularities ahead of Ramadan

The district office of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department conducted a mobile court operation in Arpara Bazar under Shalikha upazila on Tuesday to maintain price stability and ensure adequate supply of essential commodities ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The drive, carried out from 11:00 am to 1:45 pm, inspected fruit shops, rice and edible oil outlets, grocery stores, and other consumer goods businesses in the market area.

During the drive, officials seized a large quantity of expired baby food, chocolates, and other products from an establishment named M/s Pavitra Store. Authorities said the expired goods had been stored for sale and supplied to various shops in the locality. Assistant Director Sajal Ahmed said the operation aimed to prevent market manipulation ahead of Ramadan, including artificial price hikes, hoarding, failure to maintain price lists and vouchers, sale of adulterated or counterfeit goods, and unhygienic food storage practices.

Based on evidence found during the inspection, the owner of the store, Bipul Saha, was fined Taka 50,000. The seized expired products were later destroyed publicly. Sajal Ahmed warned that strict legal action would be taken against any trader found violating consumer rights laws in the future. He added that business owners have been instructed to display updated price lists, maintain proper accounts, store goods hygienically, and refrain from making excessive profits during Ramadan. Md. Alamgir Hossain from the District Agricultural Marketing Office and members of the Magura District Police assisted in conducting the operation. Authorities said such drives will continue in the public interest to ensure fair trade practices during Ramadan.