CAB seeks Tk 5.7m from govt to help enforce laws

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has sought Tk 5.7 million from the government for creating awareness about the consumer rights protection act 2009.
The non-government and non-profit voluntary organisation applied to the secretary of the ministry of commerce (MoF) seeking the fund, an official said. The application was signed by CAB general secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan.
The CAB has long been working to protect consumers' rights across the country. The Consumer Rights Protection Act 2009 has been made by the government based on the demand of the organization, which was a great achievement of the CAB in protecting the rights of consumers, the letter said.
Presently, enforcement of the act had not been up to the expectation. So, it would be the main task of the CAB to raise consumers' awareness about the act, it added.
But, there was no denying the fact that the organisation was unable to do the job properly due to the shortage of necessary funds, the letter also mentioned.
"The CAB is going to take initiatives largely to create awareness and boost involvement of consumers all over the country. We are considering increasing the relations between the government authorities concerned and the consumers," said a CAB source talking to the FE.
"We are trying to collect funds from different sources to work on enforcement of the act. As part of the move, we are expecting the financial assistance from the government to help ensure proper enforcement of the act" the source said.
The MoF was looking into the CAB application for funds, an official of the ministry said.
The CAB is working to raise awareness of consumers about their internationally-recognised rights and responsibilities as consumers, promote consumer education and enable the consumers to establish and protect their rights and interests through organised action.