Don’t change price tags at outlets

The Directorate of National Consumers Right Protection (DNCRP) would close the outlets of fashion brands for a temporary period if it finds any price gun machines during drives, officials of the watchdog said yesterday.

The DNCRP gave the warning while exchanging views with the representatives of fashion outlets at the directorate's office in the capital's Karwan Bazar.

Monjur Mohammad Shahriar, director of the DNCRP, said price tags should be attached to products at the factory level, not at showrooms or retail outlets.

The changing of price tags was noticed during market drives in the past one year, he said, adding that in most cases, the prices went up after the change was made.

"If the rule is violated, actions will be taken."

"The greater the offence, the greater the punishment will be. Businesses should understand that if shops have to be closed for a day ahead of Eid, how much profit will be lost."

A pricing gun is a hand-held device used to attach a price label to a product.

Shahriar also said businesspeople should pay attention so that foreign buyers don't raise questions about the quality of clothing products.

AHM Shafiquzzaman, director-general of the DNCRP, said it is seen many a time that some sellers from neighbouring countries come to Bangladesh and rent a house to sell foreign clothes to customers.

"Such activities are harming the local fashion houses."

"We want everyone to do business per laws so that consumers can buy products at fair prices. Actions will be taken against the market committee if irregularities are found in at shopping malls."