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Rights activists demanded awarding capital punishment to food adulterators, as the existing penalties have 'failed' to stop the unscrupulous businesses from doing so.
They also presented a set of recommendations, like proper enforcement of laws, enacting a pesticides law, strengthening vigilance, etc, to help check food adulteration during the month of Ramadan.
Activists representing 15 rights bodies, including Save the Environment Movement (Poribesh Bachao Andolon - POBA) and Nagorik Odhikar Sangrakkhan Forum, came up with the demand at a human-chain programme in front of Chawkbazar Mosque in Old Dhaka on Friday.
Among others, POBA chairman Abu Naser Khan, general secretary (GS) Abdus Sobhan and joint GS Hafizur Rahman Moyna were present on the occasion, a statement said.
Speakers at the human-chain said unscrupulous businesses use hazardous chemicals to store food and ripen various types of fruits, consumed mostly during Iftar and Sahri.
The businesses are using hazardous chemicals, growth hormone, antibiotics and formalin for food production and preservation, whose ingredients are highly detrimental to human health, the speakers said.
Many traders are engaging themselves in various unethical practices to make brisk business during Ramadan, thus threatening public health, they added.
The rights platforms urged the businesses not to use chemicals in food items, considering their harmful impact on human health.
They were also critical of the government's role for not taking 'enough measures' to ensure people's food safety.
They requested the government agencies concerned to conduct coordinated drives and increase monitoring in this regard.
Penalising the businesses through mobile courts is not enough, they said, adding that the government should use Special Power Act 1974 for ensuring capital punishment.
They also emphasised strict monitoring on sales of various types of chemicals.