Have you ever felt misled about a product or service that didn’t meet your expectations? Did you know that the Consumer Protection Act gives you the power to take action and seek compensation in such situations?
The Consumer Protection Act safeguards your rights and ensures you receive products and services that meet the promised standards and quality.
According to the Bangladesh government’s Consumer Rights Protection Act 2009, the primary purpose of this act is to protect and improve consumer rights.
This act ensures that crimes against consumers are punishable, and consumers are protected and compensated . The act outlines six rights to safeguard the interest of consumers, which are as follows:
- Right to safety: Consumers are entitled to be safe from dangerous goods and services. This means they should be protected from products that could harm their lives or property. This right applies in legal contexts and encompasses all types of protections against unsafe goods.
- Right to be informed: Consumers have the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods and services to protect them against unfair trade practices. All packaged food products must provide information on the quality, quantity, place of manufacturing, and packaging, as well as details and timing of the packing process. This information helps consumers make informed decisions about whether to purchase a product.
- The right to choose: Consumers should have access to a variety of products and services. No company can compel them to purchase without their consent. This guarantees that various goods are available at competitive prices, providing consumers with ample choices. This right is fundamental in markets with limited competition, ensuring consumers can access multiple options at fair prices.
- Right to be heard: Consumers’ rights do not end after buying the product. Consumers can voice their complaints. They have the right to be heard and be assured that the consumer’s interest will receive due consideration at the appropriate place. In straightforward terms, if any consumer is served a product that is adulterated, underweight, or of inferior quality, they can raise their voice against the damage done.
- Right to seek redressal: This refers to the right to demand compensation in case of unfair trade practices or market manipulation. Consumers can file complaints against manufacturers, sellers, and service providers for product defects, service deficiencies, and unfair trade practices.
- Right to be educated: When consumers are not educated about their rights, no law or right can save them from being deceived. The need for more awareness is more concerning in rural areas than urban areas, leading to an increasing exploitation of consumers in rural areas. To address this issue, it’s essential to ensure that consumers have easy access to informational programmes and materials to help them make better purchasing decisions.
It is essential for consumers to know their rights, but it is also their responsibility to be cautious, speak out, and inform the provider about any issues. By understanding these rights and responsibilities, consumers will know when their rights have been violated and what actions to take to avoid losing time and money.