Staff Reporter:

Sirajganj district office for the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP), also a quasi-judicial government department in Bangladesh, has been reportedly facing manifold problems for long due to manpower crisis that hampers normal activities of the organization, sources said.

“Despite several complications, we are trying to do our best by working hard. Though, we are facing immense crisis of manpower in our office and only two persons are carrying all the official activities, we have achieved our goal in protecting consumer interests and preventing unfair trade practices in the markets,” said Shohel Rana, Assistant Director of DNCRP, Sirajganj district office.

Shohel Rana, Assistant Director of the Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection in Sirajganj.

He further said, “I need a peon at the office immediately. Though, the post has been lying vacant for long, higher officials are not paying heeds in this regard that forcing us to hardship. If I get manpower support, I hope to do better in future.”

According to the official data, the organization in collaboration with other relevant offices has realized Tk 26,00,500 by conducting 137 drives at 366 business establishments in the FY 2024-25. Similarly, Tk 20,48,000 has been realized by the organization after conducting 156 drives at 256 institutions in the current FY 2025-26. It has become able to hold over 19 meetings in the current fiscal year along with carrying various types of campaigns including distributing leaflets and pamphlets.

Quazi Sohel Rana, Joint Secretary of Consumers Association of Bangladesh, Sirajganj District Unit, said, “The department is responsible for hearing and addressing consumers’ complaints over goods and services. But, the district office of the organization self is facing problems due to manpower shortage. As a result, the officials are facing hardship, while providing services regularly. I believe that, if necessary manpower and logistic supports are provided by the higher authorities concerned, people of the district especially consumers will get better services in future. It will help to protect consumers’ rights.”