There has been a glut of adulterated and counterfeit goods in the market recently, according to media report. The speakers in a roundtable in the city noted that the illegal market is currently valued at aroundTK40,000-50,000 crore, resulting in substantial revenue loss for the government. Adulteration is widespread in food, medicines and what not, said the speakers. The speakers called for coordinated action by the government, businesses and consumers, along with strict enforcement of law, to curb the spread of illegal and counterfeit goods in the market. Speakers highlighted issues such as under-invoicing, under-valuation and poor documentation at the import stage, which are exacerbating the problem. They also pointed to weak coordination among agencies and manpower shortages as key obstacles to effective enforcement.
The issue requires collective action as the government alone cannot resolve it and the private sector must also take responsibility. Adulteration has become a persistent challenge as counterfeit methods have evolved with technology despite the existing laws. Counterfeit medicines are particularly prevalent in rural and border areas, with an estimated market size of around TK1,500 crore. Low prices lead vulnerable consumers to buy such products while many pharmacies operate without adequate oversight. Market monitoring and supply chain oversight are crucial in these areas and consumers should retain receipts and verify quality marks to support legal action, suggested some experts, who have also warned that counterfeit medicines and food pose serious public health risks.
Although laws exist, enforcement remains weak. Fast-track punitive measures and stronger vigilance are indispensable to bridle the illegal market of counterfeit goods.
Strict surveillance, product testing and digital tracking systems should be strengthened.
Some experts are of the opinion that citizens must play a proactive role as without public pressure laws in this regard are not likely to be enforced stringently.
Accountability is essential to stopping illegal goods, they opined. Regulatory bodies such as the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution(BSTI), Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and the Consumers Association of Bangladesh need more teeth and increased manpower and stronger coordination with law enforcement agencies.
The importance of awareness building is also underscored calling for nationwide campaigns to educate consumers about the danger of counterfeit goods. Technology-based monitoring and stronger supply chains are essential in this regard, opine some experts. This is more important as lack of awareness is worsening the situation. The need of the hour is to empower consumers and ensure accountability, the experts stressed. AS counterfeit products damage brand reputation, zero tolerance and regular monitoring are indispensable. The issue is a national crisis and a unified roadmap is needed to dismantle syndicates. Businesses are losing market share due to a glut of the counterfeit goods. Fake products, including medicines, are spreading rapidly and remain difficult to detect. Experts further say that weak enforcement and lenient penalties are encouraging the illegal trade. Stricter measures, including cancellation of licences, seizure and destruction of counterfeit goods will help curb the glut of illegal and counterfeit goods in market.
