ompetition Policies and Laws in Bangladesh: A Tool to Redress the Suffering of the Citizen

Abstract

This study examines the role and effectiveness of competition law in Bangladesh, with a focus on the Competition Act, 2012, and its ability to address anti-competitive practices, protect consumer rights, and foster a fair market environment. It investigates the institutional, legal, and policy challenges facing the Bangladesh Competition Commission (BCC) and evaluates the law’s enforcement in critical sectors such as telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and cement. Key findings highlight significant gaps in resource allocation, judicial efficiency, and public awareness, along with inadequate penalties and an inability to regulate emerging digital markets and the informal economy. The research adopts a doctrinal methodology, analyzing primary and secondary sources, to assess the law's alignment with international standards and its capacity to address local market disparities. Recommendations focus on strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing judicial processes, increasing public education, and updating regulatory provisions to address contemporary challenges like e-commerce. The research concludes that meaningful reforms are necessary to transform competition law into a robust mechanism for redressing citizen suffering, ensuring equitable access to resources, and promoting economic justice.