Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) President Ghulam Rahman on Wednesday demanded setting up a separate division under the Commerce Ministry to “properly protect” the rights of the consumers. “The Commerce Ministry has to take care of a lot of things and that’s why can’t pay attention to consumers’ rights. So, a separate division is needed to protect their rights,” he told a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club.
He said there is no precise statistics on the production of essentials in the country. “Wrong data leads to adoption of wrong plan. So, a separate division can help properly implement regulations,” he said. Ghulam Rahman said the price of per kg onion was Tk20-25 in January but it skyrocketed to Tk250 in the retail market.
“A syndicate of importers, stockists, wholesalers and retailers took advantage of the supply crunch after India banned onion export on September 29,” he said. He added that the country lacks necessary regulatory structure and competition in the open market economy. Administrative structure, including BSTI, Competition Commission and Food Safety Authority, should be strengthened to protect consumers’ rights. Replying a question, Ghulam Rahman hoped that onion price will come down to Tk20-40 within the next month.