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Chemical in Fruits

Death for culprits

Declares HC in its judgement

Staff Correspondent
The High Court yesterday directed police to file criminal cases under the Special Powers Act, 1974 against those using chemicals to ripen or preserve fruits, and sell them.
According to the act, the maximum punishment for the offence is death penalty.
The HC verdict came after a hearing on a writ petition filed by the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB).
The court asked the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Customs to monitor land and sea ports through which imported fruits enter the country, ft said the NBR and the Customs would test imported fruits at ports to find out whether they are free from chemicals.
If they find any fruits contaminated, they must not allow them to enter the country, said the court.
The HC said the use of chemicals to ripen and preserve fruits is illegal, and ordered Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) and law enforcers to constantly
monitor fruit depots across the country to prevent storage or sale of contaminated fruits.
The HRPB filed a petition as public interest litigation on May 10, 2010, seeking court directives on the government to take steps to stop the use of chemicals in fruits as well as their sale.
The HC the same day issued a ruling on the government to explain why it should not be directed to take effective measures to protect public health by stopping the use of chemicals in fruits.
The court had also asked the commerce, food and home secretaries to form a committee to make recommendations to the government to stop the use of chemicals in fruits and submit a report to the court within 15 days.
But the respondents did not make any reply to the ruling and order, petitioner's counsel Manzill Murshid told The Daily Star.
During yesterday's hearing, the lawyer told the court that the respondents had failed to take necessary steps to stop the use of harmftil chemicals in fruits, though they are legally bound to take measures to prevent it.
Some unscrupulous traders have been using chemicals such as carbide to ripen fruits, and also formalin to elongate their shelflife, he said.
Assistant Attorney General Yeadia Zaman stood for the government.