Md. Roni Ahmed Raju, Magura Correspondent:

The National Consumer Rights Protection Department has fined a BCIC fertilizer dealer Tk 1 lakh for selling fertilizer at a price higher than the government-set price in Shatrujitpur Bazar, Magura. The drive also uncovered allegations of selling fertilizer at an excessive price without a voucher.

On Tuesday, July 7, the Magura District Office of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department conducted a market surveillance drive at Shatrujitpur Bazar, Sadar Upazila. The drive, which lasted from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, monitored BCIC fertilizer dealers, grocery stores and various daily necessities establishments.

Serious irregularities were detected in the drive at a BCIC fertilizer dealer named Messrs. Sanjit Kumar Saha. The surveillance showed that TSP fertilizer worth Tk 1,350 was sold for Tk 2,200 and DAP fertilizer worth Tk 1,050 for Tk 1,700.

At this time, no voucher or register information was found for selling fertilizer at an additional price. The truth of the allegations was confirmed by the team conducting the operation after talking to two farmers.

For these crimes, the company was fined one lakh taka under sections 40 and 45 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009 and was warned to refrain from such fraudulent activities in the future.

The operation was conducted by Sajal Ahmed, Assistant Director of the National Consumer Rights Protection Department, Magura District Office. At this time, District Agricultural Marketing Officer Md. Rabiul Islam and a team from the Magura District Police provided overall cooperation.

The National Consumer Rights Protection Department said that such operations will continue in the public interest.