In Manikganj’s Harirampur, authorities have uncovered a fraudulent jaggery production operation, prompting a swift intervention by the Department of Consumer Rights Protection. According to reports, the factory had been producing jaggery using commercial sugar (chitaguṛ) instead of natural date palm sap for an extended period, selling it in local markets as genuine jaggery. This deception not only defrauded unsuspecting consumers financially but also posed significant health risks.
The operation took place in the early hours of Tuesday, 6 January, in the Mojampāra area of Gopinathpur Union. The raid was led by Additional Assistant Director Asaduzzaman Rumel from the Manikganj District Office. Acting on confidential intelligence, the team entered the premises and caught the factory owner, Kokil Uddin, and his wife actively engaged in jaggery production.
During the raid, officials destroyed all production stoves and equipment, seized commercial sugar, and disposed of approximately 10 kilograms of adulterated jaggery. Local residents reported that Kokil Uddin had been producing 10–15 kilograms of fake jaggery daily for distribution to nearby markets. Consumers seeking authentic, date-palm-based jaggery during the peak season were inadvertently purchasing these adulterated products.
Additional Assistant Director Rumel stated,
“This operation was undertaken to safeguard consumer interests. The factory was producing 10–15 kilograms of adulterated jaggery daily without any natural sap. By confiscating the equipment and fake jaggery, we have halted this unethical practice. Our consumer protection campaigns will continue, and stricter measures will be enforced in the future.”
The Department has warned that during the date palm season, most buyers prefer genuine jaggery. Adulteration not only causes financial loss but also presents serious health hazards. Authorities are maintaining close surveillance, and any recurrence of such illegal activities will be met with stringent legal action.
Summary of the Operation:
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Department of Consumer Rights Protection, Manikganj District Office |
| Operation Led By | Additional Assistant Director Asaduzzaman Rumel |
| Date & Time | 6 January, early morning |
| Location | Harirampur, Gopinathpur Union, Mojampāra area |
| Accused | Kokil Uddin and wife |
| Seized & Destroyed Items | Production stoves, jaggery-making equipment, commercial sugar, approx. 10 kg of fake jaggery |
| Daily Production | 10–15 kg of adulterated jaggery |
| Objective | Stop fake jaggery production and distribution; protect public interest |
Locals explained that the high demand for genuine jaggery during the sap season made the market fertile for adulteration. Following this decisive action, consumers are now more vigilant, and the Department of Consumer Rights Protection has pledged to continue its campaigns against fraudulent production and distribution, ensuring strict enforcement of the law against offenders.