Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has demanded resignation of the commerce minister for his ‘failure’ to break the syndicate and keep the prices of essential items stable in the market.
The association leaders made the demand at a human chain formed in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Tuesday protesting unusual price hikes of bottled water in the country.
The organisation working on consumer rights made four-point proposals. Terming the sudden increase in the prices of bottled water unreasonable, CAB said, “It goes against consumers’ interests.”
Some companies have suddenly hiked the prices of drinking water abnormally to raise the commission of retailers, it said adding that the retailers are making profit of Tk 8-9 per 500 ml bottle of water.
In a written statement, CAB further said that 500 ml bottled water of well-known brands are being sold in the market. The maximum retail price of water is now Tk 20 per bottle. A few days ago, it was Tk 15 per bottle.
Currently, the wholesale price of each 500 ml bottle of mineral water is Tk 11-12. “Accordingly, each 500 ml bottle is being sold at higher price at retail level than wholesale price, which is unusual.”
General Secretary of CAB Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan and Treasurer Dr Md Manzoor-e-Khoda Tarafdar, among others, addressed the human chain programme.
Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan said green coconut is also being sold at higher prices in the country. “Our position is clear. We don't want to blame only the government for price hikes. The government is trying hard to control prices. But no effort is working.”
“Even if we fix the price as per the law, the traders do not obey,” he quoted the commerce minister as saying.
“So, we want you to go. No permission from the prime minister is required for this. Please resign and spare us,” he added.
In their 4-point demand CAB said unreasonable and unjustified price increase of all types of bottled water should be canceled immediately. Consumers must be assured of safe, healthy water supply at an affordable price.
To stabilize the price of bottled water, the Competition Commission, Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection and all relevant ministries should take active steps. Companies that suddenly increase the prices of bottled water unreasonably should be brought to book as per the law.
