Fake power cables, accessories flood northern region markets

Users ran a risk of meeting accidents leading to death, burns or property damage

FE Team | Published: March 06, 2024 23:34:04

OUR CORRESPONDENT
BOGURA, Mar 06: Different kinds of fake and substandard power cables and accessories are flooding the markets of the northern region, including Bogra, keeping people at the risks of electrocution, burns, property damage and even short circuit.
Insiders attributed such proliferation of the unauthorised products to lax monitoring by the authorities concerned posing serious risks of fire disaster.
Devastating fire incidents occur almost every day somewhere of the region, including Bogura, Sirajganj, Pabna and Natore, claiming lives.
In addition, financial loss from fire incidents on the increase in the region.
Sources said some of these fake and substandard electric goods are being imported from abroad, while some are being produced locally.
These products basically cables are being sold at the retail and wholesale markets using names and labels of several well-known companies.
During a recent visit to some markets in Bogura town, this correspondent found that substandard power cables and accessories produced or marketed by some dishonest and unknown companies were on sale, which look almost similar to the items of the reputed brands like Super Shine, Paradise, MQ, BRB, BBS, Evana and Acme.
Fake seals, logos and stickers are used with the substandard goods to make them look authentic.
Not only that fake warrantee and guarantee are also provided with the products in a bid to grow confidence in the mind of customers.
But, there is no one to see the matter when customers are being deceived by purchasing the counterfeit electric goods, which are tagged with fake stickers or labels of different branded products.
Seeking anonymity, some traders of Bogura said they collect various types of fake and low-quality electric products including fan, water pumps, bulbs, tube lights, LED lights, electric switches, sockets, cutouts, holders, regulators, multi-plugs and electric cables from Gulistan, Patuatuli, Nawabpur and Chawkbazar markets in the capital and sell those in different local markets saying original.
Sometimes, they realise low prices compared to the prices of the original ones, in which customers are attracted to them.
Sometimes, some electric goods are sold on rickshaws or vans at different roadsides through loudspeakers. Hawkers sell different types of LED bulbs at Tk100 each declaring their market price at Tk300.
Customers purchase the bulbs eagerly for low prices, but those become out of order after a few days of starting use.
During a visit to a market in Bogura town, this correspondent found that a coil of wire of Bizli Cables was being sold at Tk250 in a shop while the cable bearing same name was being sold at Tk150 in other shops.
A coil of 70/76 FR wire was being sold at Tk 600 in a shop while another shop was selling the same at Tk300 confusing the customers.
Seeking anonymity, a shopkeeper said, "A coil of same wire is sold at Tk4,500 instead of Tk10,000 depending on standards. Buyers feel comfort to buy goods at cheaper rate instead of judging standards."
Zulfikar Ali Bayron, who is constructing a multistoried building in Bogura town, expressing dissatisfaction said, "I am totally confused as different shops seek different prices for the same products. Many shopkeepers sell fake and substandard cables claiming them to be original and branded. But most of these goods are counterfeit and substandard that poses threat of fire accident."
Experts opine due to the use of these substandard cables and accessories, fire incidents occur frequently, causing harm to public life.
Though the authorities conduct drives against such goods and realise fines, the unscrupulous traders resume business soon after the crackdowns. Consequently, such practices go on rampant.
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