CAB protests soaring price hike of essentials

It presents nine-point recommendation

FE REPORT | Published: October 16, 2024 00:23:14

Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), a platform of consumers' rights protection, on Tuesday presented nine-point recommendation and protested the exorbitant price hike of essentials in the current market.
The nine point proposals, including the continuation of a special task force, have been announced at a human chain formed in front of the national press club.
Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan, CAB general secretary, Ruhin Hossain Prince, general secretary of Bangladesh Communist Party, rights activist Mohiuddin Ahmed, CAB members, and general people joined the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan said consumers were struggling with the prices of everyday products in the market.
"But we don't see the government taking any effective measures action in this regard," he said adding that state-run consumers' rights body is working, but it is not enough.
"Our only demand is to bring down the price of everyday products within the reach of the consumer," he said.
Participants of the human chain said the increase in the prices of almost all the daily necessities in the market has become a cause of misery for the common consumers.
"The prices of commodities are soaring due to the manipulation of unscrupulous, profiteering traders, creating significant pressure on people's daily lives. Currently, in Dhaka's kitchen markets, most vegetables are being sold for over Tk 100 per kilogram," the participants said.
The nine-point recommendation presented at the human chain including continuation a special task force throughout the country to keep the price of essential commodities stable.
CAB leaders also said the maximum retail prices of all products in the wholesale and retail markets should be displayed in a visible place. For this, the Directorate of National Consumers Rights Protection (DNCRP) should take strong action across the country.
The relevant ministry should ensure the collection, supply and receipt of information on the production, demand and supply of daily necessities.
Prices of import, wholesale and retails of daily necessities should be determined and strict steps should be taken to implement it.
Zero tolerance should be shown against artificial crises, hoarders and profiteers and they should be brought under the law.