Enact consumer rights act

Speakers at a workshop yesterday called for immediate enactment of a consumer rights protection act to ensure justified returns on the consumers' spending for goods and services.
The government has been bypassing the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission while fixing the tariffs on energy, especially gas and electricity, they said.
Consumers' Association of Bangladesh (CAB) Rajshahi unit and USAID organised the orientation workshop with media persons on 'Energy consumers' rights and responsibilities' at Rajshahi city Safa Wang conference room.
CAB general secretary Quazi Faruque called for immediate enactment of a consumer rights protection act, saying that it would help protect consumer rights.
The government should establish a tribunal to settle disputes of energy consumers, USAID Project Director AH Mostafa said at the workshop.
"For mysterious reasons, the Consumer Rights Protection Act has been hanging for more than a decade while the interim government is also delaying its enactment," CAB Treasurer Khalilur Rahman Sajal said.
According to Energy Regulatory Commission Act, the commission that was formed in 2003 has been empowered to regulate generation and distribution of energy and decide on re-fixing the tariffs after discussion with consumers' representatives and energy suppliers.
Rajshahi University Vice Chancellor Prof Altaf Hossain was present as chief guest at the workshop chaired by CAB Rajshahi president and journalist Kazi Gias.
At least 30 journalists from print and electronic media took part in the daylong programme.