Rajshahi, Nov 25 (V7N) – The Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has pledged to take on a stronger, more proactive role at the grassroots level to safeguard consumer rights across the country. CAB President AHM Shafiquzzaman said the organization aims to act as a “shield for the people,” addressing corruption, market syndicates, unsafe loose edible oil, food quality violations, and irregularities in health services.

Speaking as the chief guest at a daylong regional workshop titled “Food Fortification and Consumer Rights,” held at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall on Monday, Shafiquzzaman said, “We are not the spokesperson of the government; we represent the people. We will work at the field level to build public resistance against corruption.”

Leaders from CAB units across the eight districts of the Rajshahi division participated in the workshop, organized with support from the GAIN Food Fortification Project.

Shafiquzzaman said CAB would play a more active role in stopping the sale of loose edible oil, calling it a serious health risk that allows adulteration and low-quality oil to enter the market. “Businesses must be encouraged to sell packaged oil, and consumers must be aware of the risks,” he said.

He emphasized that food quality cannot be ensured solely by government agencies such as the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, BSTI, the Agriculture Department, and the Drug Administration. “CAB must strengthen its monitoring, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns at the grassroots,” he added.

Addressing irregularities in the agricultural sector, he noted that it is essential to investigate whether agricultural loans reach genuine farmers. “A specific syndicate in Rajshahi controls loan distribution. Farmers are being deprived and forced to rely on high-interest moneylenders,” he said.

He highlighted long-standing issues including potato market instability, adulterated seeds, fertilizer syndicates, and extortion in transportation. “Holding meetings with officials is not enough; CAB must be active in the field.”

Shafiquzzaman warned that powerful corporate networks and invisible market forces make it difficult to break syndicates. “Market volatility persists because many actors are involved. Without proper action, middlemen and wholesalers will continue to dominate the market.”

With national elections approaching, he cautioned that some traders may raise prices to increase profits. He urged stronger joint monitoring by the administration and CAB to maintain market stability.

Reflecting on his government service background, he said, “Earlier, I had institutional limitations. Now I don’t. Through CAB, I want to work more boldly for people’s rights.”

Addressing the workshop, Divisional Commissioner Dr. ANM Bazlur Rashid said, “CAB works for public interest, which is why people trust their reports. CAB plays an effective role in ensuring food safety and market transparency.”

He said CAB operates as a collaborative force alongside government agencies including the Consumer Directorate, BSTI, the Agriculture Department, and the Drug Administration. “With CAB’s involvement, consumer protection becomes stronger.”

Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter, who chaired the event, said consumer awareness is essential. “We are all consumers. Protecting our rights begins with awareness. Government action is important, but so is public vigilance.”

She added that CAB’s field-level activities strengthen the government’s efforts in maintaining food quality and market monitoring.

The workshop was attended by CAB leaders from all eight districts of the division, along with representatives from various government departments. Gain Project Coordinator Lailun Nahar delivered a PowerPoint presentation on food quality standards.

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