THE protection of the vital interests of consumers has been a long lingering unaddressed issue in Bangladesh. Asked to give their opinion on what things affect them most or is of great concern to them, there is no doubt that the majority of people in the country would mention the rise in the prices and charges of goods and services respectively as one of their main anxieties. Of course, the vast number of consumers also expect relief from such things as adulteration of foodstuffs to marketing of substandard products and other issues of consumers' importance. Thus, such major grievances of the people in relation to these issues need to be taken care of, by the government.
It was stated by the Adviser concerned sometime ago that a consumer protection act would be put into effect within the next two months. But nothing has so far happened. One understands that there exists a comprehensive draft form of the act that was readied years ago but was not even introduced in parliament because of the clout of the vested interest groups working behind the wings to frustrate it. The interim government has taken some prompt decisions in relation to other vital issues that affected public life. Therefore, it is expected that it would ensure the promulgation of the consumer protection act within the pledged period, in view of the priority that the matter thereof demands. Otherwise, the successor political governments --encumbered by varied influences on them-- may dilly dally in giving effect to this legislation as they had done in the past.
Now is the time for this interim government working above any influence-- except that of the people and the country-- to introduce and start enforcing the consumer protection act that would usher in sea changes in the way producers and suppliers cater or market their goods and services. The act in draft form is a detailed one that was prepared after examining all aspects of consumer protection. Therefore, not much work relating to of revaluation of it or making amendments are required of the government at this stage to push through its action.
What is so important is to allow this act to come to enforcement stage at the soonest because the momentum or incentive to do so, like in respect of many other things, may not be there for long.
Aftab Ahmed
Mohammadpur, Dhaka
Early action on consumer protection act
FE Team | Published: October 11, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
Share if you like