Ahead of Ramadan, the National Consumer Rights Protection Department carried out a market monitoring drive in Khatunganj, one of the largest wholesale hubs in Chattogram.
The joint operation by the department’s divisional and district offices was conducted on Monday afternoon (February 16). A total of Tk 1.21 lakh was fined to seven businesses for various violations.
During the drive, Amena Traders was fined the highest amount—Tk 50,000—for selling highly harmful hydrose as food-grade material. Haji Store was fined Tk 40,000 for selling moong dal mixed with artificial colours.
Madhuban International received a Tk 10,000 fine for selling expired cakes and unauthorised foreign products, while Rahman Hotel was fined Tk 8,000 for using burnt oil and hydrose in food preparation.
Two other traders—Anas Trading and Al Hakim Banijalaya—were fined Tk 5,000 and Tk 4,000 respectively for failing to display price lists. ARLT Tea House was also fined Tk 4,000 for not mentioning prices on tea leaf packets.
Deputy Director of the Chattogram Divisional Office, Mohammad Faiz Ullah, said some dishonest traders are increasing health risks by mixing artificial colours with pulses and spices to make higher profits. He warned that strict monitoring and regular drives will continue to protect consumers.
