CAB forms human chain in Chattogram over fuel, edible oil crisis
The Chattogram divisional and metropolitan committees of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) staged a protest human chain at the Chattogram Press Club on Saturday, 11 April.
They condemned alleged market manipulation by unscrupulous traders in edible oil, fuel, and other daily essentials.
Protesters claimed that an artificial fuel crisis had triggered nationwide disorder. They also said edible oil was deliberately withdrawn from the market to inflate prices.
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CAB Central Committee Vice-President SM Nazer Hossain chaired the event, with Chattogram Divisional General Secretary Kazi Iqbal Bahar Chhaberi moderating.
Attendees included journalists and CAB office-bearers from various city units. Representatives from partner organisations and youth groups were also present.
In his address, SM Nazer Hossain attributed the crisis to regulatory inaction. He alleged that lax oversight enabled traders to manipulate markets for edible oil, fuel, and other essentials.
He further alleged that traders had misled authorities and exploited loopholes to pressure consumers. He said they engineered an artificial crisis that disrupted daily life and claimed that profits from these activities were smuggled abroad.
He added that traders' widespread hoarding of edible oil and fuel exacerbated the retail market crisis and harmed consumers.
Hossain also alleged that certain petrol pump and depot owners had created artificial shortages of diesel and octane. He noted that this occurred despite domestic production, resulting in widespread disruption.
Kazi Iqbal Bahar Chhaberi alleged that inaccurate information provided to the government was hampering decisive action. He said this allowed unscrupulous traders to continue their activities.
He claimed traders continued to exploit consumers and moved illicit gains overseas.
He reaffirmed CAB Chattogram's commitment to defending consumer rights. He urged authorities to dismantle market syndicates promptly and warned of serious consequences if action was delayed.
Other CAB leaders and Youth CAB representatives also addressed the gathering.
