Formalin Control Bill passed in JS

Parliament passed Monday the long-sought 'Formalin Control Bill, 2015' having a provision of maximum life term imprisonment and TK 2.0 million (20 lakh) fine.

The Bill was aimed at controlling the misuse of formalin, including in food items, report agencies.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed piloted the Bill in the House and it was passed by voice vote.

The draft law did not propose banning formalin it rather suggested tougher punishment to regulate its production, import, transport, stock, sale and use without license.

The law has six chapters and 39 sections.

According to the Act, for violation of the terms and conditions of the license, a trader will get maximum seven years imprisonment but not less than three years or pay fine Tk 0.5 million but not less than Tk 0.2 million or both.