Most imported cosmetics in posh Dhaka fake: DNCRP

FE REPORT
A big chunk of imported cosmetics and powdered milk, sold in the city's posh areas like Gulshan and Banani, were found adulterated, the Directorate of Consumers Right Protection (DNCRP) said on Sunday.
"During our routine drives, we found most of the cosmetics and powdered milk, sold in the big markets or showrooms in Gulshan and Banani areas were adulterated or were sold without importer's name and address," head of the DNCRP AHM Shafiquzzaman said at a public hearing on the provision of services under the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, held at the TCB Auditorium in the city.
DNCRP organised the hearing involving multi-sectoral entities of the country.
These products are available in such a large volume that it is hardly possible for luggage parties or tax evaders to bring most of them," the DNCRP chief said.
"We have recently found some factories manufacturing such counterfeit products during our drives," he added.
He said many complaints against such companies and shops are also coming to the Directorate.
He urged the consumers to avoid use of such products lacking name or address of importers, price tag, expiry date and other relevant info.
"And no shop will be allowed to sell a product without mentioning the name, address of the importer, MRP and expiry date," he said.
He also informed the newsmen that DNCRP had sent a notice to state-run Titas Gas as consumers were randomly complaining about a low supply of gas despite paying Tk1,075 a month, which was one-third of the amount a few years back.
Commerce senior secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said there are three types of provisions in the Consumer Rights Act including provisions for criminal and civil cases along with fines during drives where approval of the Director General is required.
He said criminal case should be filed for major crimes and the number of complaint settlements should be increased.
"Apart from DNCRP, BSTI, Food Safety Authority and other entities concerned should look after the food standard," he said.
He said if everyone of the organisations works properly and does their tasks, implementation of the Consumer Right Law will take no time.
He also suggested that for the giant traders, Bangladesh Competition Commission will have to play the required roles.

Considering the country's production and demand, small businesses hardly could survive, there will be big companies.
"So, BCC should look after if there is any unfair competition," he said.
Due to high prices charged for rice, flour, egg and detergents, many companies have been asked to come into the competition commission.
President of FBCCI Md Jashim Uddin said there is a provision for the death penalty against adulteration in various countries of the world.
He said, "We need such strict laws for food and other commodity adulteration."
He also said loose edible oil should be prohibited as it promotes adulteration.
Energy advisor of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh Prof Shamsul Alam, vice president of FBCCI Amin Helali and top officials or representatives from various organisations were also present in the hearing.
tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com