Bangla Press Desk: The High Court has instructed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to conduct a scientific study through BUET on the damage caused by radiation from mobile phone towers and submit a report within six months.
The directive came on Wednesday from a bench of Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan during a hearing on a petition filed by environmental rights body Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB).
HRPB lawyer Manzill Murshid said media reports had raised concerns that radiation from mobile towers was harming people, animals, birds and trees.
Citing those reports, the organisation filed a writ petition in public interest.
Following lengthy hearings, the High Court on Apr 25, 2019 made its rule absolute and directed the BTRC to conduct field surveys and take steps to reduce existing radiation levels.
“The court also said the guidelines should include provisions barring the installation of such towers in crowded areas including schools, colleges, universities and court premises,” the lawyer said.
After the verdict, the BTRC formed a committee and submitted a report defending the existing radiation limits, according to Manzill.
HRPB later challenged that report, arguing that several countries, including India, had reduced radiation exposure limits to one-tenth of the previous level and Bangladesh should follow suit.
The group also sought expert opinions from BUET specialists.
“After hearing the petition, the court on Feb 28, 2024 ordered that expert opinions be heard,” he said.
Following the order, BUET Prof Kamrul Hasan appeared before the court and submitted a written report on Apr 30, 2024 recommending lower radiation levels from mobile towers.
He also proposed a nationwide study into the health risks caused by such radiation in Bangladesh.
After Wednesday’s hearing, the court directed the BTRC to launch the proposed research project.
The next hearing has been fixed for Dec 2.
