Enact consumers' rights protection act
Speakers tell meetings marking World Consumers Rights Day
Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) in Khagrachhari brings out a procession yesterday demanding enactment of consumers rights protection act.Photo: STAR
Speakers at discussions on World Consumers' Rights Day yesterday urged immediate enactment of the consumers' rights protection act to enable people to take legal measures against the producers of sub-standard commodities and adulterated food. They also suggested the guardians to keep their children to away from junk foods to keep them in good health. Our RU Correspondent reports: Enactment of the consumer rights protection act will enable the consumers to take legal measures against the producers of sub-standard commodities and adulterated food, speakers said at a meeting of guardians and students at Hetem Kha Girls' School in Rajshahi. People should raise voice against junk foods and its marketing, they said at the discussion meeting jointly organised by Rajshahi unit of Consumers' Association of Bangladesh (CAB). Junk foods have lower food value and acid and sugar used to prepare it make children vulnerable to heart diseases, blood pressure and cancer, Rajshahi Civil Surgeon Dr Sajedul Islam said in his speech as the chief guest. Children are fond of junk food items like cold drinks, bottled fruit juices, ice cream, pastries and biscuits prepared with sugar and chemicals that create a sort of light addiction and dependency among children, he said. He suggested children to avoid junk foods and take nutritious foods including green fruits. Main speaker at the discussion, Rajshahi University marketing department teacher Shah Azam Shantonu called for immediate enactment of the Consumer Rights Protection Act. It would help defend consumer rights and protect the consumers from being deprived of justified returns on their spending for goods and services, he said. Presented World Health Organisation, 2006 report on 'Marketing of Foods And Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Children', Cab representatives said children in particular are under the risk of harmful side effects of junk foods, which may lead to serious liver and kidney diseases including different forms of cancer and Hepatitis. Speakers urged guardians and children to avoid junk food culture and take nutritious foods. Rajshahi local daily Sonali Sangbad Editor Liakat Ali, Hetem Kha Girls School Principal Selima Choudhury and senior journalist Mustafizur Raham khan were present as special guests on the discussion presided over by Dr Nasrin Lubna. CAB Rajshahi General Secretary Golam Mostofa Mamun, guardian Shamima Sultana, senior health officer Nazrul Islam, children organiser Rajob Ali, CAB Treasurer Shamsul Bari, programme organiser Sabnam Nigar and representatives from schools and colleges also spoke on the occasion. Our Khagrachhari Correspondent adds: Speakers at a discussion yesterday urged the government to pass the law to ensure the rights of consumers. District Civil Surgeon's Office and Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) jointly organised the discussion on “Junk Food Generation: CI's Campaign to stop Marketing of Unhealthy Food to Children.” It was held at the conference hall of district civil surgeon's office in hill town Khagrachhari to mark the World Consumers Day. Junk food damages teeth and skin, spoils appetite and fattens the tissue, which leads to heart ailments and some other diseases, speakers said, adding that children should be kept away from junk foods to keep them in good health. Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Shahid Talukder was present as chief guest while district convener of CAB Muhammad Abu Taher presided over the discussion. The Prothom Alo Correspondent Azimul Hoq, educationalist Shaney Alam, Health & Education Officer Mamong Marma, environment worker Pradip Chowdhury, ATN Bangla correspondent Muhammad Abu Daud and The Daily Star Correspondent Jasim Majumder also spoke.
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