The country is awash with adulterated and counterfeit products. Fake and substandard goods are everywhere. Recent newspaper reports say law enforcement agencies have conducted drives in several areas of the capital against the manufacture of unauthorised paints, electrical wires and mobile phones.
Mobile courts fined several organisations to the tune of Tk 1.15 lakh after finding evidence of manufacturing, storing and selling counterfeit paints, electrical wires and mobile phones. At the same time, law enforcement agencies have launched nationwide crackdowns against adulterated, substandard and unsafe food products.
Investigations show that food items, fuel oil, edible oil, animal feed, electrical and electronic goods, baby food, bakery products, drinking water, cosmetics and even life-saving medicines are being adulterated. Counterfeit products are entering the market under the names of well-known brands. Fake chocolates and cosmetics are reportedly being produced in makeshift factories. Toxic chromium from tannery waste has been detected in eggs, while chalk powder and harmful chemicals are being mixed into flour and fruits.
Not only in Dhaka, but across the country, factories producing fake and adulterated goods have sprung up. Toxic dyes, soda, saccharin and wax are being used in sweetmeats. Textile dyes, brick dust and wood powder are found in spices. Chemicals are used to ripen fruits quickly and preserve food artificially.
Despite such open violations, government oversight remains weak. Although anti-adulteration drives are occasionally conducted, they fail to create lasting impact. Offenders often return to the same practices within days.
Consumers are being deceived every day. Adulterated food is widely believed to be a major factor behind the rise in serious illnesses, including cancer, heart disease and liver and kidney failure. Protecting public health therefore requires a strong and sustained social movement against adulteration.
Food security is a constitutional right. Whether through domestic production or imports, the state must ensure that food is safe. Adulterated and counterfeit products threaten public welfare and weaken national capacity. This trend cannot be allowed to continue. Stronger laws, stricter enforcement and exemplary punishment of offenders are essential to protect consumers and build a healthier, more just society.
Md. Noor Hamza Peash
LL.B. Student, Department of Law
World University of Bangladesh (WUB)
