Consumers’ outcry over price hikes justified: Tipu

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has said if the prices of essential commodities rise, they feel pressure from the consumers to rein in the prices. There is nothing wrong with the consumers’ uproar if the prices of the essential commodities go up.

“If the prices of goods increase, it hurts the purchasing power of the commoners and affects their way of life. They will see later how the price has increased whether it is justified or not,” he said while speaking at a press conference organised by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) at the conference room of the EPB at Karwan Bazar in the capital on Tuesday marking the World Consumer Rights Day 2023.

“If we become frugal, we can get respite from price pressure, especially ahead of Ramadan. If no one buys extra, the additional demand will not have a negative impact,” the minister said.

Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh and Director General (DG) of DNCRP AHM Shafiquzzaman were also present at the press conference.

Since 1983, World Consumer Rights Day is being observed across the globe every year to commemorate the historic day. This year's theme is ‘Safe Fuel, Consumer-Friendly Earth’.

Like every year, DNCRP has also chalked out various programmes this year on the occasion of the day. It includes a discussion meeting to be held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital today (Wednesday).

The minister further said the biggest task now is to protect the rights of the consumers and provide benefits to them. “We are trying to protect consumer rights with our limited manpower. Regular drives are being conducted for this.”

He also called for creating awareness among the consumers about their rights and making the Consumer Rights Day a success.

“It is true that we are facing manpower crisis. It is not possible to fully protect consumer rights with only two officers at district level. But manpower will be increased very soon. The posts of 148 staff have already been approved and they will be recruited. Besides, approval has been sought for the appointment of 465 more officers,” he said.

The minister said, “We need to be economical in electricity and fuel consumption. Fuel price hikes have a huge impact on living standards in a third world country like ours.”

In his speech, the secretary laid emphasis on green energy, saying that it is less harmful to the environment. “If we can keep the planet safe by using safe fuels, consumers will also be safe. The government is implementing Climate Prosperity Plan to enhance the use of safe fuel.”

The DG said, “We are carrying out a massive campaign in every market so that wholesale and retail traders keep receipts for purchase and sale of products. This has already been ensured in some markets, including Kaptan Bazar. Gradually, it will be in other markets as well. If this happens, it will be possible to identify where prices are increasing unreasonably.”