'Step up drive against food adulteration'

They also called for strict enforcement of laws to check sale of adulterated and unhygienic food and the use of colour in food items.

The Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) staged a rally and formed a human chain at Shahbagh in the city to voice the demands.

The speakers said the profit-hungry traders, sometimes in connivance with the government officials, have continued to indulge in food adulteration and mix harmful colour and chemicals with foods and drinks, posing serious health hazards.

Presided over by Syed ANM Wahed, vice-president of Bapa, the rally was also addressed by Mahidul Haque Khan, Zahedur Rahman, Mihir Bishwas, Kazi Saleh Ahmed and Prof Dr Asif Nazrul.

Representatives of Dorp, Coalition for the Urban Poor, Seba, Nagorik Udyog, Nagorik Sanghati, Green Voice, Osmani Udyan Protection Movement, Jubo Nagorik Adhikar Jote, Peace and The Hunger Project also joined the demonstration.