Recognising the importance of consumer rights

Although there are lots of organisations working for human rights in Bangladesh, there are barely any consumer rights groups other than Consumers Association of Bangladesh. But we must remember that consumer rights are an integral part of human rights.

Consumer rights are abused in almost every sector in Bangladesh. Generating awareness among consumers about their rights and responsibilities as consumers is a must. Promoting consumer education aiming to empower consumers with the knowledge and skills on protection of their rights is necessary as well. Consumers should be empowered to the extent that they mobilise into organised action. Encouraging and helping develop more consumer associations and consumer activist groups at the rural level can go a long way in empowering the less educated and those who are less aware about consumer rights. The government has a crucial role to play but so do the media, NGOs, and different human rights organisations.

Zubair Khaled Huq, by email