During the sweltering summer months, sugarcane juice emerges as a much-needed source of relief for the public. Whether it is for pedestrians drained by the heat or hardworking individuals seeking a quick refreshment, a glass of chilled sugarcane juice provides instant comfort. Widely available, affordable, and seemingly fresh, this drink enjoys immense popularity across both urban and rural settings. In cities like Dhaka, its sales soar near railway stations, bus terminals, at street corners, and local markets.
However, the growing demand has given rise to serious concerns about the way this beverage is being prepared and sold. In most cases, sugarcane juice is extracted in highly unhygienic conditions-often on dusty roadsides with no regard for cleanliness. The juice-extracting machines are rarely cleaned, and the presence of stale residue fosters harmful bacterial growth. The smell of fermented juice near these stalls is not uncommon.
Worse still, some unscrupulous vendors resort to dangerous practices to maximise profits. Sugarcanes are often soaked in chemically mixed water to draw more juice, while in some cases, harmful pesticides or artificial colours are added to preserve the juice and enhance its appearance.
The health consequences of consuming such contaminated juice are alarming. It can lead to severe illnesses such as diarrhoea, typhoid, hepatitis, and in extreme cases, even cancer. If this unregulated practice is allowed to continue, the long-term impact on public health-especially for the younger generation-could be devastating.
We urge the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, the City Corporations, and the Directorate General of Health Services to take urgent and coordinated action. Regular monitoring, strict enforcement of hygiene standards and awareness campaigns are necessary to protect consumers from these hidden dangers.
Progga Das
Student, Department of Economics
Eden Mohila College
proggadas2005@gmail.com
