NBR gets time to submit updates on fruit testing at ports   

The High Court (HC) has granted the National Board of Revenue (NBR) a two-week time extension to submit the updates on chemical testing units at land and sea ports in Bangladesh. The NBR was directed by the court to set up those facilities to detect whether chemically treated fruits are being imported into the country.       

The HC bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader passed the order on Tuesday, and Deputy Attorney General Barrister ABM Abdullah Al Mahmud Bashar briefed the press about it later.      

Barrister Bashar said, "There was a directive of the High Court in 2012 to test imported fruits at the ports prior to issuing release order for the consignments. A modern testing unit has been set up at Chattogram port to test imported fruits."

Mongla sea port and Benapole land port also have chemical testing units, but fruits are not imported through these two points at present.        

Barrister Bashar said the NBR report was submitted to the court on Tuesday.

"We need a reasonable time extension and we sought it from court. During the period, we will prepare the report detailing the updates and the measures taken at the ports in this regard."         

Previously on 23 June this year, the High Court ordered the revenue board chairman to implement the order passed in 2012. The NBR placed a report in this regard on August 25 and the court said it will be put on the cause list after the court returns from vacation.     

Accordingly, the plea was put on the cause list on Tuesday. The High Court passed a much-anticipated order on February 29 in 2012 to check the use of chemical in fruits. The order was passed following a writ by the Human Rights Peace for Bangladesh.