Feni: Two businesses in Feni city faced fines totaling Tk 10,000 during a consumer rights monitoring operation for selling unauthorized fake Indian basmati rice and charging customers more than the displayed prices.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection executed the operation at various kitchen markets in the city to oversee the pricing of essential commodities. The initiative was led by Assistant Director of the Feni district office, Md Asadul Islam, during the afternoon.

‘Messrs Abul Khayer Traders’ was fined Tk 5,000 for selling rice at prices exceeding those listed on its price list. Similarly, ‘Messrs Salam Store’ received a Tk 5,000 fine for selling unauthorized and counterfeit Indian basmati rice. Officials also examined stocks, supply, and purchase and sales receipts of essential commodities, including eggs, green chillies, and vegetables, at different markets to help maintain stable prices.

Assistant Director Asadul Islam stated that traders would not be permitted to engage in unfair practices in the essential commodities market. The consumer rights authority plans to continue monitoring markets in the public interest and to help regulate commodity prices. A team from the district battalion Ansar provided security and assistance during the operation. Additionally, awareness leaflets were distributed among buyers and sellers at the markets.