Monitor fruit markets to prevent use of chemicals: HC

Monitor fruit markets to prevent use of chemicals: HC

The High Court has directed authorities concerned to monitor fruit markets and warehouses across Bangladesh to prevent adulteration and use of chemicals in fruits.

The court has also directed them to submit reports before it after complying with the orders by June 18.

The bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader passed the order on Monday, while hearing a petition on this regard.

The High Court has directed inspector general of police, director general of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and chairman and director concerned of Bangladesh Standards Testing Institute (BSTI) to form separate teams within seven days to monitor the fruit markets and warehouses.

Advocate Manzil Murshid stood for the petition while Deputy Attorney General ABM Abdullah Al Bashar stood for the state.

Addressing the court's order, Manzil Murshid said: "The High Court had given two orders on April 9. In one, it directed district commissioner of Rajshahi to deploy police and magistrates in the district's mango orchard to prevent illegal use of harmful chemicals.

"The other directive, it asked general of police, director general of RAB and chairman and director concerned of BSTI to form monitoring teams in order to prevent usage of chemicals in fruits that are sold and stored in markets and warehouses."

He said: "The respondents to these directives had to submit a report within 30 days of the order but they failed to do so.

"Monday's order came after we notified the honourable court about respondent’s negligence," Manzul added.