100 illegal acid traders at Bogra

Some of the traders have employed teenagers to sell the dangerous item, according to sources in the district administration and police.

A recent investigation revealed that at least 50 of the traders are selling highly dangerous Nitric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid and Sulfuric Acid illegally in Galapatty, Matidalimor, Charmata, Tinmata, Chadnibazar, Old Bus Stand and New Bus Stand areas in the town, they said.

Tapan, one of the retailers while talking to this correspondent admitted that he purchases acid from Dhaka and sells it in the town. He has no license but keeps a minimum stock of 100 pounds of acid.

The Sadar thana police during a raid a few days ago seized 195 pounds of illegal acid from Shofiyen Chemical, a shop in Old Bus Stand area. A teenaged boy was seen selling acid at the shop, a senior police official said. The boy told police that he had no idea about the item.

Sources in the administration when contacted said they have no record how many licences were given to sell acid in the district.