A coordinated effort between government agencies and the industrial sector is essential to detect counterfeit products, trace their origins, and prevent their market entry before reaching consumers, speakers stressed at a workshop in the capital.

The workshop, titled "Prevention of Counterfeit and Adulterated Goods," was organized by leading industrial conglomerate PRAN-RFL Group in collaboration with the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) at the directorate’s conference room in Karwan Bazar on Tuesday (September 7).

Attending as the chief guest, DNCRP Director General (Additional Secretary) Md. Zohirul Islam emphasized that ensuring consumer rights and guaranteeing access to safe, quality products at fair prices remains a core mandate of the directorate.

"During market drives, identifying fake and adulterated goods is crucial. Officials must be well-equipped with clear technical insights into how these products enter circulation, particularly regarding counterfeited brand versions," he said. He added that alongside regulator intervention, manufacturers, traders, and consumers must maintain constant communication to build a strong front against fraudulent products.

Presenting field insights on how counterfeit goods infiltrate the market, Kamruzzaman Kamal, Marketing Director of PRAN-RFL Group, advocated for establishing a permanent 'National Anti-Counterfeit Coordination Cell.'

"A centralized cell comprising relevant government bodies and private sector representatives is vital for real-time information sharing. Such a framework would allow unique tracking IDs for complaints, assignment of specific enforcement agencies, clear timelines, and systematic monitoring of case progress," Kamal noted.

Presiding over the event, DNCRP Director (Admin & Finance) Sevastin Rema called on brand owners to take proactive ownership of their distribution channels. "Ensuring that electronics and consumer goods are distributed strictly through authorized dealers can drastically curtail the proliferation of fake items," Rema stated, while stressing the need for prompt reporting from brands when counterfeit activity is detected.

Workshop participants concluded by recommending stronger enforcement drives, rapid tracking of product origin, enhanced information sharing, and expedited legal proceedings to penalize repeat offenders effectively.