Two officials from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection were allegedly confined and harassed for nearly two hours while conducting an inspection near the Chittagong University campus on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred at the university’s Gate No. 2 area, where the officials, accompanied by representatives from Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (ChakSU) and CU Cable Network (CUCAB), were jointly inspecting local shops.

Assistant Directors Md. Anisur Rahman and Mahmuda Akter led the operation, which fined two pharmacies and four hotels a total of about 40,000 taka for irregularities. Tension arose when shop owner Solaiman Chowdhury was fined 10,000 taka and engaged in an argument with the officials. Although he later paid the fine, he and several locals allegedly blocked the officials’ vehicle and confined the team, including ChakSU and CUCAB members.

University authorities later intervened to rescue the officials and restore order. Witnesses claimed police remained inactive despite prior notification, while officials said the operation followed proper procedures and accused others of politicizing the incident.