Protection of Consumer Rights in Bangladesh: Inquest of Effective Legal Framework

Abstract

Human rights are inextricably linked to consumer rights. These rights have grown in significance over time as a means of defending the interests of all consumers against corporate monopolies and unfair business practices. In order to protect consumers from unfair bargaining power, it is essential to regulate goods and services, as well as the standards and practices of producers, retailers, and advertising agencies. In the end, a sound economic system's desire to protect and promote consumer rights in relation to national interests wins out. In the past, the "Caveat Emptor" principle tended to relieve the seller of the obligation to investigate the product's quality. Furthermore, a significant element in the relationship between the seller and the buyer was their personal relationship. However, the rule has lost its significance due to the expansion of trade and globalization. The buyer can no longer physically inspect the goods, and the majority of transactions are completed online. Furthermore, only the manufacturer or seller can guarantee the quality of the goods due to the complexity of modern goods. The producers and sellers are growing stronger and more organized as a result of the increased organization of manufacturing activities, while the buyers remain unorganized and vulnerable. The Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has been actively promoting consumer protection for more than 20 years. Their civil movement resulted in the enactment of the Consumer Rights Protection Act 2009 by the Bangladeshi government on April 6, 2009. This is a positive development. Even though the law's passage was a significant step forward, raising awareness and ensuring its proper application remain difficult tasks. The best way to safeguard consumer rights is for customers to be aware of their rights, cooperate with consumer advocacy groups, speak out against exploitation, and file complaints. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the knowledgeable editors who put a lot of effort into compiling this content.