CAB protests obstruction of consumer watchdog drive

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) staged a human chain in Dhaka today (22 February) to protest what it called the obstruction of a government market monitoring drive and demanded strict action against those responsible.

The demonstration took place in front of the Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

Speaking at the event, CAB General Secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan praised the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection for its work in safeguarding consumer rights.

He, however, alleged that Mohammad Ali Bhuiyan, president of the Moulvibazar Traders' Association in Chawkbazar, had unlawfully obstructed the government initiative.

"Public resentment is growing as no effective action has yet been taken against those responsible. We will take our protests to districts and cities across the country and submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Commerce," he said.

Ruhin Hossain Prince, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, urged the government to take firm measures against business syndicates and market intimidation, warning that failure to act could make market regulation difficult.

CAB Dhaka Divisional Committee President Brig Gen (retd) Shams E Khan emphasised that all 180 million people in Bangladesh are consumers, including traders, and called for visible government action to stabilise the market.

The CAB placed a five-point demand, which includes swift and exemplary punishment for those obstructing the Directorate's work, support from law enforcement to ensure smooth market inspections, strict enforcement of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, mandatory display of valid cash memos during transactions, and strengthened regular market monitoring and mobile court operations to prevent similar incidents.