Empowering The Consumer

Empowering The Consumer

Faruq Azam, a government employee, bought a cosmetics product from a city chain shop. He was charged with an additional Tk 36 along with the labelled maximum retail price (MRP). As he reacted about the total price, the shop officials said they have nothing to do about the matter. Azam then filed a complaint with the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and later also received Tk 2,500 as 25% retribution.

Since the consumer’s right protection act became effective in 2009, 82 % of the complaints have been filed under article 40 which authorities say is a result of the nature of the dishonest businessmen adding that people take shelter of the article 40 for its fruitful resolution.

Article 40 on punishment for selling goods, medicine or service at higher price than fixed one reads, ‘If any person sells or offers to sell any goods, medicine or service at a price higher than the price fixed under any Act or rules, he shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 (one) year, or with fine not exceeding Taka 50 (fifty) thousands, or with both.’

According to the act, any consumer can file a complaint if the person faces any anti-consumer rights practices. If the complaint is justified after investigation, the consumer will immediately be given 25 % of the amount charged as penalty.