World Consumer Rights Day was observed in Pirojpur and Meherpur on Sunday with rallies, discussions and protest programmes highlighting the importance of protecting consumer rights and ensuring safe products in the market.
PIROJPUR: The district administration organised a discussion meeting at the deputy commissioner's conference room at noon. Deputy Commissioner Abu Sayed attended the programme as the chief guest, while Assistant Director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Debashisish Roy, also spoke.
Earlier in the morning, the district branch of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) brought out a rally from the premises of the old DC office. The procession paraded the main roads of the town before ending at Central Shaheed Minar Road, where a protest meeting was held.
The meeting was presided over by CAB district committee president Ziaul Ahsan and moderated by general secretary Md Rafiqul Islam Panna. Among others, freedom fighter and former panel mayor Abdus Salam Baten, Professor Kayum Khan, and businessman and CAB joint secretary Afjal Hussain Lavlu addressed the gathering.
Speakers alleged that some dishonest business groups and influential traders form syndicates during Ramadan and ahead of Eid to raise the prices of essential commodities. They urged the administration to take strict measures to prevent price manipulation and dismantle such syndicates in the interest of consumers.
MEHERPUR: The day was observed here under the joint initiative of the district administration and the Consumers Association of Bangladesh district branch. This year's theme was "Ensure safe products, build consumer confidence."
A colourful rally led by Deputy Commissioner Dr Syed Inamul Kabir started from the DC office premises in the morning and paraded the main roads before returning to the starting point.
Later, a discussion meeting was held at the collectorate conference room, chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Tariqul Islam, with the deputy commissioner attending as chief guest.
Additional Superintendent of Police Atiqul Haque, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khairul Islam, and CAB district president Rafiqul Alam were present as special guests. The discussion, moderated by District Food Safety Officer Riaz Mahmud, emphasised the importance of maintaining food safety and product quality to ensure consumer rights.
Speakers said ensuring safe products and fair market practices requires coordinated efforts from the administration, traders and consumers.
Separately, CAB also organised a rally and a wayside meeting protesting the rise in commodity prices allegedly caused by unscrupulous traders. CAB president Rafiqul Alam and general secretary delivered speeches, while members of the organisation and people from different walks of life participated in the programmes.
