DNCRP Bans Sale of Saudi Charity Products, Including Zamzam Water

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has issued a ban on the sale of items acquired from Saudi Arabia for charitable purposes, including the sacred Zamzam water from Makkah’s well. The DNCRP, in a meeting with businessmen in the capital on Sunday, emphasized the prohibition of marketing these charitable products using religious sentiments or flashy advertisements. DNCRP Director Fakir Mohammad Munawar Hossain clarified that Zamzam water, brought as a charitable commodity, cannot be sold in the country and is strictly for personal use. The directive extends to items such as dates and perfume, with criminal prosecution as a potential consequence for those selling dates or olive oil imported from Saudi Arabia. The DNCRP aims to curb businesses capitalizing on religious feelings and cautioned against potential supply issues due to high taxes on date imports, particularly in the upcoming month of Ramadan. Date importer Sirajul Islam highlighted challenges in obtaining LC (letter of credit) for imports, citing financial constraints.