HC orders police vigil at mango orchards over chemical use

The High Court has ordered the government to deploy police to all mango orchards to prevent the use of toxic chemicals for the fruit, reports bdnews24.com.

A bench of the court passed the order on Tuesday in repose to a petition filed by the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh.

The government was also asked to form a team comprising representatives from the district administration, police, RAB and BSTI to monitor stores and markets whether any harmful substance is being used in the fruits.

Lawyer Manzill Murshid represented the petitioner at the hearing. Assistant Attorney General Saiful Islam argued for the state.

"The High Court ordered the government to keep a close eye on mango orchards in Rajshahi and other major areas of the country to stop use of toxic chemicals," said Murshid.

Every monitoring team will submit the progress report on the implementation of the court's order within the next one month, he said.

On Feb 29, 2012, the HC passed a verdict to stop the use of poisonous chemicals in fruits following a petition filed by the group.

The case was pending with the court. But the group filed the petition again on Sunday ahead of the upcoming mango season.