Dainik Mathabhanga, April 8, 2015,
Dhaka: On the occasion of World Health Day, celebrated across Bangladesh including Chuadanga and Meherpur, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim emphasized the need for harsh penalties—including the death sentence—for food adulteration. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, he said that only strict laws and their proper enforcement can effectively prevent food adulteration.
The day was observed across the country with the theme: "Safe and Nutritious Food: Commitment to a Healthy Life", with awareness campaigns, rallies, and seminars conducted nationwide.
The minister stressed that providing a healthy and safe life to citizens is a constitutional responsibility of the government and that awareness among people is key to tackling this crisis. He added, “If the public takes collective action, food adulteration can be eradicated.”
He instructed food inspectors to be active in the field and take action against adulterators, noting that they must earn their salaries through real service, not office presence.
Chuadanga: A rally started from the Civil Surgeon’s office, circled the main roads, and concluded at the Sadar Hospital courtyard. A discussion followed, chaired by Civil Surgeon Dr. Azizul Islam.
Speakers Included:
- Dr. Paritosh Kumar Ghosh (Cardiologist & BMA Secretary)
- Dr. Abu Bakkar Siddique (Orthopedic Consultant)
- Dr. SM Nuruddin Rumi (Surgery Consultant)
- Nutritionist Rumana Sharmin
- Mizanur Rahman (Training Officer, Impact Foundation)
A parallel rally and seminar were held by Ideal Mats’ Assistant Training School, led by Principal Dr. Nazimuddin Khan and speakers like Dr. Abdullah Al Noman, educator Alim Uddin Laskar, and student Nahida Sultana Shammi.
Statistics: More than half of all food in Bangladesh is adulterated. Each year, 3 million people suffer from diarrhea due to unsafe food, and globally millions die. A human chain held by SUPRO in front of the National Press Club demanded stronger measures.
Joint Awareness Events: Health Department and BRAC jointly held safe-food awareness meetings in every upazila.
Chaired by Dr. Md. Azizul Islam, Civil Surgeon, and attended by Nutrition Support Officer Rumana Sharmin and BRAC representative Md. Jahangir Alam.
Alamdanga: A rally led by Dr. Abu Mohammad Zahurul Islam and followed by a seminar at Mir Shamsuddin Ahmed High School featured speakers:
- Dr. Saifullah Morshed
- Dr. Habibur Rahman
- BRAC’s Achintya Kumar Bosh
- Dr. Faruk Hossain
- Dr. Harun-Or-Rashid
- Health Inspector Anisur Rahman
- BRAC Organizer Solaiman Mondol
Damurhuda: A rally from the health complex led by Dr. Abu Hasanuzzaman Nupur ended with a seminar where speakers included:
- Dr. Ekramul Haque
- Health Inspector Abul Kashem
- Sanitary Inspector Abdul Matin
- EPI Technician Abdul Wahab
Meherpur: A rally led by Civil Surgeon Dr. Azizur Rahman Siddiqui ended at the Civil Surgeon’s office where a seminar was held. Participants included health professionals, district officials, and journalists.
Amjhupi (Meherpur Sadar Upazila): A motivation seminar organized by Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha and Civil Society Alliance (BSA SAN Bangladesh) was held at Amjhupi Govt. Boys Primary School.
Speakers Included:
- Rafiqul Alam (Chairman, District Consumer Rights Implementation Committee)
- Dr. Sihabuddin
- Moinul Islam (ED, Subah Samajik Unnayan Sangstha)
- Zahidul Islam (Head Teacher)
- Selina Rahman (Teacher)
