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What do our consumers expect from interim government?

Published : Sunday, 11 August, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 427
Md Khalilur Rahman Sajal
In the convoluted and changing political terrain, the recent establishment of an interim government has generated a wave of expectations and hope among the citizens of Bangladesh, especially consumers who search for stability and development in many spheres. As an interim government steps in, Bangladeshi consumers typically hold several key expectations that revolve around economic stability, a fair business ecosystem, improved public services, and transparent governance.

The stability of the economy is one of the main concerns forconsumers in Bangladesh. A major problem is inflation, which influences housing, fuel, and food prices among other basics. Consumers hope the interim government will carry out sensible policies meant to lower inflation and stabilize the economy. This encompasses the maintenance of price stability, the assurance of the availability of essential items, and the prevention of any fictitious price hikes by unscrupulous traders.

High unemployment rates are a significant concern, particularly among the youth. Crucially for economic development and employment, consumers expect the interim government to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and generate job prospects. Programs including vocational training courses, start-up incentives, and investment in industries with great employment possibilities are much awaited.

One of the most important expectations is access to high-quality public services covering transport, education, and healthcare. The interim government is sought by consumers to enhance the infrastructure and service delivery in particular regions. This includes increasing the budget allocation for public health, improving educational quality, and developing effective public transport systems.

Still, a rampant problem that stunts growth and undermines public confidence is corruption. Bangladeshi consumers hope the interim government will implement strict anti-corruption policies, so guaranteeing responsibility and transparency in all government activities. Strict anti-corruption laws, digitalization of public services to cut bureaucratic red tape, and the creation of independent bodies to track and probe corrupt behavior help to accomplish this.

Consumer confidence depends much on a stable law and order environment. Using efficient crime control and maintaining public order, the interim government is supposed to guarantee the safety and security of people. Key movements in this direction are strengthening the police force, applying community policing, and guaranteeing quick justice.

Furthermore, high expectations of consumers about infrastructure development are important for economic development and better quality of life. This covers improved water supply systems, dependable electricity, and better roads. Infrastructure projects directly affecting daily life and economic activity are expected to be given top priority by the interim government.

In a country with significant socio-economic disparities, social welfare programs play a critical role. Consumers hope that the interim government will widen social safety nets, so helping the most underprivileged groups of society. This covers initiatives for support of persons with disabilities, old age pensions, and reduction of poverty.

Consumers are giving environmental problems priority more and more. The interim government is supposed to act to advance sustainable development and safeguard the surroundings. This includes addressing pollution, wise use of natural resources, and support of alternative energy sources.

Maintaining consumer protection, fair competition, and food safety in Bangladesh depends on strengthening respective organizations including the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP), Competition Commission, and Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA). Improving these institutions' transparency and accountability will help to greatly increase public confidence and effectiveness. Strong regulatory systems and tools must empower the DNCRP to aggressively monitor and handle consumer complaints, so guaranteeing fair practices and quick redressal. To stop unfair trade practices, the Competition Commission has to properly enforce anti-monopoly rules and advance competitive markets. 

Strict policies and cutting-edge technologies should equip the BFSA to guarantee the best standards of food safety from manufacturing to consumption. Regular public reporting, stakeholder consultations, and digital channels for simple information access help them to be transparent in their activities. These organizations can be quite important in preserving consumer interests and advancing a fair and safe market by encouraging responsibility and transparency. We hope the interim government will give reforming the above institutions top priority so they may be more efficient and open. 

Public interaction and good communication are significantly important for building consumers'confidence. Consumers want the interim government to be transparent and keep the people updated on its policies and activities. Frequent updates, public consultations, and active participation across several media outlets can help to establish confidence and guarantee that government actions reflect public expectations. 

In summary, consumers in Bangladesh hold a comprehensive set of expectations from an interim government. Important areas where consumers search for good change are economic stability, job creation, improved public services, anti-corruption policies, law and order, infrastructure development, social welfare programs, environmental protection, and successful communication. Meeting these expectations requires a committed and transparent approach, ensuring that the interim government paves the way for sustained development and improved quality of life for all citizens.

The writer is an Executive Director, Voluntary Consumers Training and Awareness Society (VOCTA)



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