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The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) faces challenges in tackling market malpractices due to legal limitations and manpower shortages, the organisation’s Director General AHM Shafiquzzaman has said.
He said this during a seminar, held at the DNCRP headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday, aimed to inform and engage the media on the various activities undertaken by the directorate in the lead-up to World Consumer Rights Day on March 15.
Shafiquzzaman said, “We cannot impose adequate penalties or fines on errant traders due to legal restrictions as the Consumer Rights Protection Act has some weaknesses.”
DNCRP further faces a manpower crisis, with 17 districts lacking designated officers. Despite these challenges, 40-50 teams of DNCRP are working to control commodity prices nationwide.
Shafiquzzaman addressed concerns about price stability, announcing the development of the “Supply Chain Monitoring System (SCMS)” app.
This app will track essential commodities like soybean oil and sugar from refineries to distributors, facilitating the identification and prosecution of illegal hoarding by dishonest traders.
The director general also announced an ongoing amendment process for the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009.
Debate for Democracy Chairman Hassan Ahamed Chowdhury Kiron, Dainik Amader Shomoy Executive Editor Mainul Alam and Economic Reporters Forum President Md Refayet Ullah Mirdha attended the seminar as special guests while DNCRP Director (Admin and Finance) Muhammad Asaduzzaman presided over it.
Mainul Alam highlighted the growing consumer awareness and willingness to seek redressal from the DNCRP. He emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between the media and the DNCRP to build trust.
He further commended the department's progress and encouraged continued collaboration with the media to empower consumers and motivate DNCRP officers.
Hassan Ahamed Chowdhury Kiron pointed to the upcoming Ramadan as a period of potential price escalation. He urged coordinated efforts between relevant ministries like Commerce, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock to ensure price stability during this important time.
Md Refayet Ullah Mirdha applauded the DNCRP's initiatives to address consumer harassment in the e-commerce sector and urged the department to remain vigilant in tackling emerging issues within this rapidly evolving domain.
The DNCRP reiterated its commitment to consumer protection but stressed the importance of consumer awareness and collective efforts for success.
The theme for this year's World Consumer Rights Day, set by Consumers International, is “Fair and responsible AI for consumers.” DNCRP will observe the day on March 15.
DNCRP is taking a multifaceted celebration approach to boost awareness and strengthen consumer protection.
The directorate will organise seminars and essay competitions at the national, divisional, district and upazila levels. The day's activities will also include the inauguration of the underdevelopment software, an IP TV program and the expansion of software access at division and district levels to enhance its reach and effectiveness.
A special supplement celebrating World Consumer Rights Day will also be published.
