At last, protection of consumer rights

Although, similar laws are prevalent in the neighbouring countries, the interests of the consumers in Bangladesh mattered very little so far. Without recourse to law they were left at the mercy of the traders. The captive sellers market had made the consumers' life in Bangladesh unbearable. But, better late than never.

However, we have certain reservations on the government's plans for implementing the proposed law. Our concern stems from the suggested composition of the National Consumer Council. The proposed Council will be made up mainly of representatives drawn from the private sector. It will be assigned the task of formulating policies to protect consumers' rights. While one would not like to question the sense of objectivity of its members, it stands to reason that, being composed primarily of members of the private sector, there would exist a possibility of perceptions being influenced, because the consumers' compliant would primarily be against business malpractices.

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We suggest that the Council should be composed of members of the civil society, lawyers, teachers and the professional community.

Furthermore, instead of restricting the focus on the standards, measurements and prices of commodities alone, we suggest that, for it to be effective in protecting the consumers' rights, all elements of the service sector must be brought under the purview of the proposed law. These include health clinics, private medical practices, educational institutions, restaurants - the entire lot, so to speak.

There should also be a synergy between what the consumers want and how the government wants to guarantee their interest.

After all, the proof of a good legislation is in its ability to defend the common man from injustice.