HC Seeks Urgent Findings on Microplastics in Toothpaste

Bangla Press Desk:  The High Court has ordered an investigation into the alleged presence of harmful microplastics in most toothpaste sold in the country's market and directed that a report be submitted within 15 days.

A High Court division bench comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Choudhury and Justice Md Ziaul Haque issued a rule and directed the formation of a three-member expert committee, with one representative each from BUET, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), to carry out the investigation.

The court came up with the order after holding hearing on a writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Abdullah Al Mamun. The petitioner himself moved the plea before the court.

The Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) recently tested 34 toothpaste samples from 19 brands available in the country's market. According to its study, microplastics were detected in 26 samples, accounting for approximately 76.5% of the total.