Counterfeit versions of "Noorjahan", a popular food brand owned by Ferdous & Sons Corporation, are allegedly flooding markets across Moulvibazar, causing financial losses to the legitimate business owner.
Md Ferdous Bhuiyan Raton, proprietor of the company, alleged that an organized group has been copying the brand name and packaging and selling fake products for nearly 18 months.
He said his company obtained formal approval from the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) on December 15, 2024, and has been marketing products including Noorjahan Ghee, Butter Oil, Curry Powder and Sauce after complying with government regulations and paying applicable VAT and taxes.
Raton alleged that Iqra Enterprise in Kulaura and Shaha International in Tongi were involved in producing and distributing counterfeit Noorjahan products. He said he lodged a complaint with the Moulvibazar district office of the Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection on May 17, 2025, but received no effective remedy.
He later approached the Sylhet regional office of BSTI. Following his complaint, BSTI conducted raids in Kulaura and Barlekha, where the allegations were reportedly substantiated. Iqra Enterprise was fined and instructed to withdraw the counterfeit products from the market.
Raton, however, alleged that the counterfeit products continued to circulate despite the order.
At the same time, several retailers selling genuine Noorjahan products have claimed that they were fined during consumer rights inspections.
Saidur Rahman Chhayad, proprietor of Chhayad Store in Barlekha, said he was fined Tk3,000 on August 24 for selling Noorjahan Ghee. He claimed that although he produced purchase documents, officials told him that the product could not be sold because it was allegedly prohibited.
Atar Ali of Sumiya Store in Kulaura was reportedly fined Tk15,000, while Suman Kapali of Janani Variety Store in Barlekha was fined Tk20,000 after being summoned to the district consumer rights office.
Joni Mia, proprietor of Jannat Store in Juri, also claimed that he was fined Tk15,000 for selling Noorjahan Ghee despite showing documents proving the product's legitimacy.
Tinku Deb of Messrs Joyjit Enterprise in Juri alleged that he was fined Tk15,000 over Noorjahan Butter Oil, although the written fine reportedly mentioned Noorjahan Ghee. He further alleged that he was later asked to pay Tk3,000 as “office expenses”.
Raton claimed that instead of targeting counterfeiters, authorities were harassing legitimate retailers and damaging his business.
“The counterfeit Noorjahan products have flooded the market, yet instead of taking action against counterfeiters, innocent traders selling our genuine products are being harassed and fined,” he said.
A recent visit to markets in Moulvibazar Sadar, Juri, Barlekha, Kulaura and Sreemangal also found various food products allegedly lacking adequate manufacturer and standards information. Among them were several brands of ghee, spices, sauces and butter oil.
Local traders said some suppliers distribute such products to shops on credit and collect payment after they are sold, making it difficult for small retailers to verify the products' legitimacy.
Local SME entrepreneurs have called for transparent and coordinated inspections, arguing that repeated raids and heavy fines could discourage legitimate businesses.
Nurul Islam Kamran, convener of the Moulvibazar Business Forum and former director of the Chamber of Commerce, said traders should follow government regulations but also be given an opportunity to correct minor violations before facing heavy penalties.
“A coordinated inspection system should be introduced instead of separate drives,” he said.
However, Md Al Amin, deputy director of the Moulvibazar district office of the Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection, denied allegations of misconduct.
He said fines were imposed after considering the overall circumstances during inspections, rather than solely because a shop was selling a particular product.
Al Amin also denied allegations that officials had instructed traders to stop selling Noorjahan Ghee.
“I did not tell any businessman not to sell Noorjahan Ghee. And it would not be appropriate for me to say that,” he said.
He also rejected allegations that traders were asked to pay money for fake BSTI documents or unofficial expenses.
The proprietor of Iqra Enterprise in Kulaura, Inam Uddin, and the proprietor of Shaha International in Tongi, Mostafizur Rahman Munim, could not be reached by phone when calls were made to them around 5pm on Saturday.
Contact attempts were made to seek their comments on the matter, but neither of them answered the calls.
Moulvibazar Deputy Commissioner Md Touhiduzzaman Pavel said: “I have received a written complaint regarding the matter. The issue will be investigated and necessary action will be taken.”
