CAB warns of court action for serious consumer rights violations

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has said that while normal irregularities will be addressed by the relevant government agencies, the association will resort to legal action in serious cases.

A. H. M. Safiquzzaman, President of CAB, made the statement during a press conference held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium on Friday. The event, titled “CAB’s Activities Awareness,” was organized by the association to inform the public about its ongoing work.

Safiquzzaman emphasized that CAB is not a law enforcement agency. Instead, the organization identifies irregularities and guides government bodies to take appropriate action. “It is not CAB’s role to enforce laws directly,” he said. “Departments such as the Consumer Rights Directorate, BSTI, and the Safe Food Authority have specific administrative and legal powers to act, and mobile courts under district administrators can also enforce laws.”

He added that CAB raises awareness and points out irregularities so that the responsible authorities can intervene effectively. However, in cases where no solution is forthcoming through these channels, CAB takes the matter to court.

“For example, during our campaign on diabetic strips, we found that a government agency was acting against the DNCCF, despite being the main responsible body. We filed a writ petition in the High Court, which compelled the government to take corrective measures,” Safiquzzaman explained. “Similarly, court orders have helped reduce prices of heart bulbs and rings.”

He reiterated that CAB prefers to resolve issues through designated agencies but will not hesitate to seek judicial intervention in serious matters.

The press conference was also attended by CAB General Secretary Advocate Association Kabir Bhuiyan, Treasurer Dr. Md. Monjur-E-Khoda Tarafdar, Publicity Secretary Md. Musa Mia, and Executive Committee member Md Shawkat Ali Khan.