Mohammad Ali Hazari Russell, Dhaka.
World Consumer Rights Day 15 March 2022 was Celebrated under the theme
‘Fair Digital Finance’ on this Occasion, the Directorate of National
Consumer Rights Protection organized a colorful Rally from Dhaka Central
Shaheed Minar to Osmani Memorial Auditorium. A Discussion session was
held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium at the end of the Rally.
Commerce Minister of Bangladesh Tipu Munshi, MP, was present as the
Chief Guest in the Discussion. Zakia Sultana, Secretary, Ministry of
Industries, Md. Jasim Uddin, President, FBCCI, Golam Rahman, President,
Consumers Association of Bangladesh-CAB were present as special guests.
A.H.M Shafiquzzaman, Director General, Directorate of National Consumer
Rights Protection gave a welcome speech, while Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Senior
Secretary, Ministry of Commerce presided over the Discussion.
On the topic, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, MP, said, “In this month
of independence, consumers need to be freed from the grips of dishonest
traders. The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection should
actively raise awareness about consumer rights. If people know about
their rights, only then will they become vocal about injustice in this
sector. Consequently, this will make the work of the department much
easier. I insist everyone to be aware of direct, indirect or digital
harassment and to take the necessary steps to prevent this from their
respective positions. ”
Zakia Sultana, Secretary Ministry of Industries, said, “The United
Nations has recognized eight global rights for all consumers in the
world. If we are able to protect these consumer rights in Bangladesh,
then sustainable development is achievable for our country. By keeping
in line with this, Bangladesh will be able to emerge as a developed
country by 2041.”
Md. Jasim Uddin, President, The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of
Commerce & Industry (FBCCI), said, “A lot of chaos breaks out in the
market by the time results from BSTI examinations arrive at Chattogram
port. So it is very important to speed up the processes in BSTI in order
to streamline the supply of products in the market. Simultaneously, we
need to be more cautious with regards to digital services, so that we
can ensure that no customer is deceived while availing services
remotely.”
Golam Rahman, President, Consumers Association of Bangladesh-CAB, said,
“We need to ensure adequate supply and fair pricing of all products as
per the market demand during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. At the
same time, utmost care should be taken so that consumers do not fall
prey to dishonest traders. In order to uphold discipline in the consumer
market, it is important to increase manpower in the department to
protect the interests of the consumers. I hope that the Honorable
Minister and Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce will pay due regards
to this matter.”
In his welcome address, A.H.M Shafiquzzaman, Director General,
Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection said, “We urge
consumers across the country to be more aware of their consumer rights,
and to report to us immediately if they detect any unprofessional
behavior from the traders. We, the Directorate of National Consumer
Rights Protection, will always be there to alleviate the suffering of
consumers and ensure their rights. ”
During the presidency, Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Senior Secretary, Ministry of
Commerce said, “The implementation of laws concerning consumer rights
needs to be strengthened. Under the law, our responsibilities are not
limited to administrative measures, it is also our duty to implement
criminal and civil remedies for the long-term protection of consumers.
In order to prevent digital fraudulence and increase the protection of
consumer rights in the future, young officers of the department must
play a more proactive role in fulfilling their responsibilities. ”
The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection is a
government agency under the Ministry of Commerce. It serves the purpose
of receiving consumer complaints regarding goods and services, resolving
grievances and protecting the rights of consumers. All the activities of
the organization are completed under the Consumer Rights Protection Act
2009. The agency has its head office in Dhaka and local offices in
divisional and district level.
