Why commission to monitor pesticide use won’t be formed: High Court
The High Court also directed the government to make a work plan within 90 days to raise awareness about the harmful effects of all glyphosate-rich pesticides
The High Court on Sunday asked authorities concerned why they would not set up an independent commission to monitor supply of pesticides and their use that could harm people's health and environment.
The High Court directed the secretaries of agriculture and health ministries along with 12 other government officials to respond within eight weeks.
At the same time, the court wanted to know whether licensing of glyphosate-rich pesticides and its renewal would not be declared invalid.
The High Court also directed the government to make a work plan within 90 days to raise awareness about the harmful effects of all glyphosate-rich pesticides.
A High Court bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman issued the rule after hearing a writ petition filed by the Bangladesh Environment Lawyer Association (Bela) with six other organisations.
Sayeda Rizwana Hasan stood for the petitioner during the hearing.
In 2019, different national newspapers published reports on widely used hazardous pesticides in Bangladesh. In those reports, harmful effects of glyphosate-rich pesticides were highlighted.
Later, the Bela and six other organisations filed a writ petition at High court with reference to those newspaper reports. The petitioners sought the High Court's direction to take a step against the glyphosate-rich pesticide.
