Staff Reporter :
Consumer rights were undermined seriously in Bailey Road tragedy. Before a customer goes to a restaurant, it is not possible for him to know whether the establishment complies with the building code or not, said AHM Shafiquzzaman, director general (DG) of Department of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP).
He said this in a debate competition organized by Debate for Democracy on Saturday on the eve of World Consumer Rights Day (March 2) at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC).
DG AHM Shafiquzzaman said that it becomes difficult to control the market if import decisions are not taken at the right time. Consumer syndicates are needed today to protect consumer rights.
If consumers collectively cut back on a commodity, its price will fall a week later, such as beef.
He also said that edible oil is not being sold at the price that is supposed to be reduced by TK 10 to Tk163 taka per liter from March 1.
Therefore, the consumer rights team went to seven refineries including Rupganj, Keraniganj, Chattogram to monitor oil production and stock.
Decisions to reduce prices are not easily implemented, while decisions to increase prices are implemented quickly. Besides, the impact of tax reduction on four products is not noticeable in the market.
In the event, Chairman of Debate for Democracy Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran said that due to the vicious cycle, consumers are suffering a lot because they cannot buy products at a fair price.
Broiler chicken, beef, sugar, chickpeas, onions, dates and other daily commodities cannot come out of the syndicates grip.
Consumers are confused whether the prices of daily essentials will remain within their purchasing power during the upcoming Ramadan, he added.
