Divisional seminar held in Chattogram on challenges for protecting consumer rights

The Director General (Grade 1) of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, Alim Akhter Khan, has stated that despite limited capacity and logistical constraints, the government continues its efforts to safeguard the interests of the country's 180 million consumers.

However, due to various legal complexities, it has not been possible to meet public expectations fully. He noted that if businesses respect the law and consumers are aware of their rights and actively assert them, ensuring consumer protection is achievable.

Speaking as the chief guest at the divisional seminar titled 'Challenges and actions to protect consumer rights', held at the Circuit House conference room in Chattogram, he further mentioned that although the Consumer Rights Protection Act was enacted in 2009 considering many relevant issues of the time, efforts are underway to make the law more contemporary. A committee has already been formed to amend the act, and necessary steps are being taken to expedite the revision. He added that administrative complications have delayed recruitment at the Directorate, resulting in vacancies in 24 districts, which is hampering local-level consumer rights protection.

The seminar was organised by the Chattogram Divisional Office of the National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate, with support from the Office of the Divisional Commissioner. Dr  Ziauddin, Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram, chaired the meeting. Other speakers included Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam and SM Nazer Hossain, Vice President of the Central Committee of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB). Assistant Professor Syed Ahsan Khalid of the University of Chattogram presented the keynote paper.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Fayez Ullah, Deputy Director of the Directorate's Chattogram Divisional Office. Among the discussants were CMP Additional Commissioner Mahmuda Begum, District Livestock Officer Dr Md Alamgir, District Safe Food Officer Farhanul Islam, Senior Health Education Officer of the Civil Surgeon's Office Thoainu Mong Marma, former Vice President of the Chattogram Women's Chamber Ivy Hasan, CAB Chattogram Metropolitan President Jesmin Sultana Paru, President of the Kazir Dewri Market Traders Association Abdur Razzaq, President of the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association Saleh Ahmed Soleman, President of the Chattogram Restaurant Owners Association Elias Ahmed, Bar Code Restaurant owner Monjurul Haque, Bonoful General Manager Anamul Haque, Fulkopi General Manager Abdur Sabur, CAB Joint Secretary Md Selim Jahangir, President of the Chattogram Drinking Water Manufacturers Association Faysal Abdullah Adnan, CAB Organising Secretary Jannatul Ferdous, CAB Youth Chattogram President Abu Hanif Noman, and CAB Youth Chattogram University President Rabbi Tawhid and General Secretary Khairul Islam, among others.

In his presidential remarks, Dr Md Ziauddin said that for a society to be truly just, people at all levels must respect the law. Otherwise, social inequality becomes more pronounced. He noted that some dishonest individuals still hold undue influence over society and the environment, thereby undermining the rule of law. He emphasised the need for collective action in ensuring consumer protection, as even a trader is a consumer of many other goods and thus should uphold ethical standards.

Special guest Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam noted that the district administration is actively engaged in all aspects of consumer rights protection. However, due to the lack of adequate manpower, especially considering Chattogram's role as a commercial hub, greater importance is yet to be placed as needed.

Vice President of CAB's Central Committee, SM Nazer Hossain, called on the government to build a business-friendly environment instead of appeasing dishonest traders. He noted that consumers are often deceived despite one-sided advertising in the media. He urged the government and political parties to refrain from supporting unscrupulous businesses and to be more attentive to the public interest.

In his keynote paper, Assistant Professor Syed Ahsan Khalid highlighted challenges in the Consumer Rights Protection Act, the Safe Food Act, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act—particularly the restriction on aggrieved individuals filing cases directly in court. He emphasised the importance of strict law enforcement and recommended increased public awareness, the expansion of arbitration mechanisms, enhanced product testing facilities, and additional human resources.

Officials from various government departments, business leaders, student representatives, CAB delegates, journalists, and members of civil society attended the seminar.