Engage business leaders during market drive

The government and other related agencies should keep business leaders in the fold when working to protect consumer rights and launching drives against unscrupulous businesspeople, said Md Jashim Uddin, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI).

He made the call during a programme organised by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka yesterday.

"There are 64 district chambers in the country with whom we will cooperate if necessary as we want to do business in a disciplined manner," Uddin said.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said that if consumers are aware of their rights, unscrupulous businesspersons who are behind the price hike of daily essentials will not be able to engage in such activities.

"The people of Bangladesh are not aware enough about consumer rights. Our responsibility is to make people aware so that they can understand their rights," he added.

AHM Safiquzzaman, director general of the DNCRP, said his organisation's manpower needs to be increased in order to properly carry out its activities. There are currently a total of 217 staff members, including 96 officers, working at the directorate.

"And we need a lab where various products can be inspected," he added.

Ghulam Rahman, president of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh, echoed the same.

Zakia Sultana, secretary of the industries ministry, and Tapan Kanti Ghosh, senior secretary to the commerce ministry, were also present at the programme.