DU Correspondent :
VOCTA, a non-government organization dedicated to protecting the consumers’ rights, suggested to apply effective laws and waking up of the consumers’ awareness for confirming food safety by creating a consumer-friendly market.
They emphasized on jeoperdising market syndicates and extortion during transportation and in the market.
The Voluntary Consumers Training and Awareness Society (VOCTA) drafted the suggestion on Saturday at a seminar titled “Golden Jubilee of Independence: expectations and achievements in food security and consumer protection” on central for advanced research in science of Dhaka University.
Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder was present as a chief guest chaired by VOCTA President and DU Professor Hossain Uddin Shekhar.
Mijanur Rahman, former Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University, Sayed Ishtiaq Raja, CEO and chief editor of Global Television, were special guest on the occasion. Chief Reporter of the Daily Observer Mohosinul Karim Lebu presented the keynote paper.
About the increase in the farmer’s capacity, the Minister said, “The work is underway to deliver safe and nutritious food to the consumers. A new law is being drafted in this regard.”
“Consumer awareness will play an effective role to ensure safe food. We are trying to include a chapter related to consumer awareness in the textbook,” he added.
“By making consumers aware of their rights and responsibilities, they can play a vibrant role in protecting their rights,” VOCTA said in a written statement.
Discussing the laws related to food safety, VOCTA said, “Despite the existence of many institutions and laws in the country, we have not been able to reach the intended goal of protecting the interests of consumers.”
“Our market is still business-friendly. The market system should be consumer-friendly. Ignoring the interests of the consumers, some unscrupulous traders are making huge profits day after day,” VOCTA added.
They also demanded forming of a law on E-commerce for maintaining internet service and E-commerce and a Advertisements Controlling Commission.
