Bureau for consumers

The mater does not end there. Lack of protection for the rights of consumers has created a situation in which the market is glutted with substandard, or even hazardous commodities; people do not know what they are buying; doctors are never punished for wrong diagnosis or treatment; and there is nobody to shoulder the responsibility when the utility services crumble.

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh is the only organisation that represents the people. There was no government initiative in the past to highlight the consumers' side of the story through forming a separate body.

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So the government has rightly decided to set up a 'Consumer Affairs Bureau' with an eye to protecting the interests of consumers. This will meet a long-felt need of consumers who can do virtually nothing against the traders and businessmen resorting to malpractice and market manipulation as part of their plan of making undue profits.

The bureau, we are told, will be empowered to take action against hoarders responsible for artificial crisis of any commodity. We fully endorse the plan, but would also like to point out that things are going wrong in several areas as far as general buyers are concerned. So the bureau will have to address issues like adulteration and develop a mechanism for countering irrational and unlawful behaviour on the part of professionals and utility service providers. Most people, not aware of their rights, have developed the habit of accepting gross irregularities and even outrageous violation of professional ethics without demur. The law is on their side, but lack of awareness and institutional support are responsible for their vulnerability.

The government has, belatedly though, found the right move. However, much will depend on how the bureau is constituted and run. It must have a neutral character with protection of the rights of consumers being its sole objective.