(BSS) - The National Consumer Rights Protection Department (NCRPD) conducted a simultaneous enforcement drive across the division on Wednesday and fined 17 business establishments a total of Taka 161,500 for violating the Consumer Protection Act.

The teams, led by 10 monitoring teams from divisional and district offices, conducted the drives in different markets in Khulna, Jashore, Satkhira, Kushtia, Magura, Narail and Meherpur to ensure essential goods, including rice, edible oil, onions, vegetables, poultry, and medicines, were being sold at government-set prices.

Mohammad Selim, Deputy Director of the Khulna Divisional Consumer Rights Protection Department, said the teams identified several violations during their inspections.

One of the major fines was imposed on a hotel and restaurant in Jashore Taka one lakh for illegal food processing practices. Other shops across the division were fined a combined total of Taka 61,500 for offenses such as false labeling, selling expired products, failure to display price lists, and overpricing.

In addition, NCRPD officials instructed traders to ensure that price lists are displayed prominently, purchase vouchers are maintained, and products are sold at fixed prices.

The department also issued stern warnings that any future violations would result in strict legal action. The operation highlights the government`s continued efforts to protect consumer rights and maintain transparency in pricing across the country.