In Bangladesh there is an urgent need for proper enforcement of Consumers Rights Protection (CRP) Law, but we do not see enough seriousness from the government for it. Against this backdrop, it is good to know that administrative officials and business leaders at a discussion in Rajshahi emphasized the need for proper enforcement of the CRP Law. The Department of National Consumer Rights Protection and District Administration jointly organised this to mark the World Consumers Rights Day-2018. But mere expression of a good sentiment would not be of any help unless it is translated into action.

Consumer rights are integral to human rights.  Over the years, these rights have gained importance in safeguarding the interest of consumers from the clutches of business monopoly and trade malpractices. Protection of consumer rights is now a global agenda. Bangladesh is struggling to fulfil the basic needs of its consumers. The world's economic giants have enacted a series of laws to meet the contemporary global demand on economic progress on one side and protection of the consumers from unfair, misleading and aggressive business propaganda on the other. While most developed countries have their stringent laws to protect consumers' interest, the World Trade Organisations (WTO) has also adopted a lot of rules to regulate trade and businesses of various products and services through import or export that have impacts on producer or manufacturer, supplier or distributor, seller and ultimately the consumer.

Bangladesh has enacted Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009 to deal with the consumer affairs. The Law is an addition to a number of around 61 relevant laws dealing with the consumer rights and their protection mechanisms in a sporadic way. Articles 15 and 18 of the Constitution of Bangladesh can be referred to as the basis of consumer protection laws. Article 15 deals with the provision of basic necessities like food, clothing, right to work, right to reasonable wage, quantity and quality of work, social security etc. In addition, there are numerous other provisions which have been enacted from time to time. Side by side with updating the consumer law we feel that all relevant actions to implement the act should be started in full gear. We understand that the government, for the purpose of ensuring consumer rights, has planned to set up a National Consumer Protection Rights Council, to be formed at the district level in the first phase, which would receive complaints from the consumers. This should be set up immediately. Alongside this, the government should also complete the process of enacting a competition law which would help increase competitiveness among businesses so that they offer quality goods and services at fair prices.