CAB demands separate ministry to protect consumer interests

The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has demanded a separate ministry to protect consumers' interests.

President of the organisation Ghulam Rahman came up with the call at a virtual press conference on Wednesday, said a press release.

“In the last three years, the cost of living in the capital has increased highly,” he said at the event.

“On the other hand, due to the coronavirus epidemic, the earnings of the lower and lower-middle-class people have significantly decreased. As a result, in 2020, the living standards of the groups was badly impacted” he added.

About the price hike of products, the former chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission commented that the average price of rice in 2020 has increased by 20 percent compared to 2019. Also, the price of beef and mutton has increased by 10.49 percent, chicken by 10.83 percent, eggs by 5.32 percent, fish by 7.13 percent, and the price of powder milk 7.84 percent over the last year.

Moreover, house rent of lower and lower-middle-class increased by an average of 5.35 percent, flat rent by 7.85 percent, house rent in slums by 3.45 percent, and rent of mess rooms with 8 seats has increased by 3.45 percent.

He further said that the price of fabric increased by more than 9 percent on average, WASA bill by 25 percent, and commercial electricity by 4.81 percent.