Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir. File Photo

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 8, 2026 (BSS) -Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today said the government has undertaken a series of initiatives to strengthen the Bangladesh Competition Commission and the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) in a bid to break the monopolistic dominance of large corporate groups and safeguard the interests of small and medium-sized businesses.

The minister told the Parliament today while responding to a written question from opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP elected from Chapainawabganj-3 constituency M Nurul Islam regarding the government's efforts to ensure fair competition in the market and protect smaller traders.

He said a project titled “Strengthening the Bangladesh Competition Commission” has been taken up to enhance the capacity of the commission in addressing anti-competitive practices and market concentration. The project proposal was sent to the Economic Relations Division (ERD) through the Ministry of Commerce on April 6, 2026.

Muktadir also said the government has initiated steps to amend the Competition Act, 2012 to make it more modern and business-friendly. The proposed amendments are currently under review at the Ministry of Commerce.

In addition, the government has moved to amend the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009 to make it more effective and relevant to current market realities, he added.
To strengthen the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, the minister said a proposal is being processed at the Ministry of Commerce to expand the organisation’s workforce and logistical capacity.

Under the proposal, the directorate’s approved manpower would be increased from 366 posts to 1,762 through the creation of 1,396 new positions. 

The plan also includes the provision of vehicles and other necessary equipment to improve enforcement and monitoring activities.
The minister further said initiatives have been taken to increase budgetary allocations for the directorate to support market surveillance operations, consumer awareness campaigns and other related activities.

He expressed hope that the measures would help establish a more competitive business environment, prevent market concentration and better protect consumers as well as small and medium-sized enterprises across the country.