Stay away from adulteration or face punishment: President

President Abdul Hamid on Saturday warned against adulteration and fraudulence, saying that businessmen involved in such practices will be punished, reports UNB.

Hamid cautioned the businessmen at an award-giving ceremony organised by the Industries Ministry to hand over the 'President's Award for Industrial Development 2017' at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital.

"Don't cheat with the buyers. Stay away from adulteration and fraudulence. The government's co-operation for honest and good entrepreneurs is always open. On the other hand, the government will be bound to ensure strict punishment for the dishonest businessmen," he said.

He also noted that recently the High Court ordered withdrawal of several products from the domestic market due to adulteration and degradation in quality.

"Such incidents (adulteration) are very harmful for the country's business as well as the consumers," he said.

He added that this not only affects customers' confidence in the products, brands and companies but also has a negative impact on the whole trade system.

Calling business a noble profession, President Hamid said: "Business has been given special importance in Islam.

But due to some dishonest businessmen, the reputation of honest and good businessmen is also being lost today.

"You're (entrepreneurs and businessmen) respected persons in the society.

Your role and contribution to the socio-economic development of the country is highly appreciated.

We feel proud when we see 'Made in Bangladesh' products at super stores in Europe and America."

He said that when a Bangladeshi product is banned or withdrawn from the market in a foreign country due to adulteration or degradation, it not only tarnishes the country's image but also causes commercial losses.

Calling for standing against adulteration, the head of the state urged industrial entrepreneurs not to compromise quality of products and services.

President Hamid distributed awards to 14 industrial units in six categories for their contribution to the economy.

The industrial categories are - large, medium, small, micro, cottage, and hi-tech.

The award recipients under the large-industry category are: chief operating officer Dr Shamim Ahmed of Square Pharmaceuticals Limited, chairman of Envoy Textiles Limited Kutubuddin and chairman of Olympia Industries Limited Mobarak Ali.

Under medium-industry category, the recipients are MD of Green Textile Limited Tanvir Ahmed, MD of D and S Pretty Fashions Limited Rezin Ahmmod and MD of JME Agro Limited Chowdhury Hasan Mahmud.