Authorities in Satkhira destroyed 8,500 kilogrammes of artificially ripened Gobindabhog mangoes that were illegally transported to Dhaka. The mangoes were seized because they breached official government regulations governing the sale and transportation of seasonal fruits.
Truck Stopped After Tip-Off
On April 3, at 10 a.m., a truck containing these mangoes was stopped on the Satkhira bypass. The action was conducted upon a tip-off. Members of Students Against Discrimination, a local student group, were the first to reply. They halted the truck and promptly informed the local authority of the illegal activities.
Role of Student Activists
Arafat Hossain, the convener of Students Against Discrimination in Satkhira, explained their role in the operation. He stated, “We received information that a truck full of mangoes, ripened with dangerous pesticides, was on its way to Dhaka. We immediately stopped the vehicle and phoned the authorities.”
These youngsters are actively fighting to prohibit the selling of dangerous and unhealthy food in their community.
Read more: Dhaka Stock Exchange Crisis (2024-25): An Insight into Investors, Economy & Oversight
Violation of Official Marketing Date
Shoaib Ahmad, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Satkhira Sadar, confirmed the seizure and destruction of the mangoes. He explained that the government has set an official date for the marketing of Gobindabhog mangoes. This year, that date is 5 April.
“Some dishonest traders ignored the rules and used chemicals to ripen the mangoes early. They tried to send them to the market before the allowed time,” said the UNO. “Thanks to the efforts of the student activists, we were able to seize the truck and destroy the mangoes to protect public health.”
Dangers of Chemically Ripe Fruits
Chemicals such as calcium carbide are occasionally used to speed up the ripening of fruits, particularly mangoes. However, these substances can be extremely hazardous to human health. Eating chemically ripened fruits can lead to major health problems such as stomach upset, skin irritation, and even organ damage over time.
That is why the government has set rules and specific dates for harvesting and selling different kinds of fruits, especially mangoes.
Strict Monitoring to Continue
The local administration has promised to continue strict monitoring during the mango season. Mobile courts, law enforcement agencies, and student groups will work together to prevent the use of chemicals in ripening mangoes. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer also warned traders that strict action will be taken against anyone who violates government instructions. “We will not allow any harmful or dishonest practices. The safety of consumers is our top priority,” he added.
Call for Awareness among Farmers and Traders.
Officials and activists have stressed the importance of increasing awareness among mango growers and traders. Many growers may not fully understand the health risks involved with chemical ripening. To encourage farmers to use natural ripening processes, the government intends to run awareness campaigns and offer training. Activists believe that with education and regulation, we can create a safer and healthier mango market for everybody.
Source: TBS
