HC issues rule over 'excessive' MFS charges, seeks law for consumer protection

The High Court today issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the arbitrary and excessive service charges imposed on customers by mobile financial service (MFS) providers — bKash, Nagad and Rocket — should not be declared illegal and unconstitutional.

The court also asked the government to show cause why it should not be directed to formulate a separate law governing mobile financial services.

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The proposed law would regulate service charges, ensure consumer protection and accountability, and ensure that MFS charges are reasonable, fair and affordable, particularly for poor people and those without access to conventional banking services.

The finance secretary, the posts and telecommunications secretary, the Bangladesh Bank governor and other officials concerned have been made respondents to the rule, which is returnable in four weeks.

The bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Rezaul Karim issued the rule following a writ petition filed as a public interest litigation by Supreme Court lawyer Obaidullah Al Mamun Sakib, seeking necessary directives.

The petitioner himself moved the petition before the High Court.