Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Nov 14, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a seminar in the district underscored that the protection of consumer rights is essential for ensuring sound public health, stressing the need for strict monitoring of food quality and accurate measurement of products in retail markets.

The Department of National Consumers Rights Protection (DNCRP) organized the seminar titled "Sensitization and Implementation of Consumers Rights Law, 2009" at the Rajshahi College auditorium on Thursday afternoon. A large number of teachers, students and stakeholders attended the event.

DNCRP Director General Faruque Ahmed addressed the seminar as the chief guest, with Rajshahi College Principal Prof Jahur Ali in the chair. Divisional Director of Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) Zahura Shikder, DNCRP Deputy Director Afroza Rahman and Divisional Deputy Director Ibrahim Hossain also spoke.

Presenting the keynote paper, Yeamin Hossain, Divisional Officer of Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), highlighted various aspects of food safety and the harmful effects of consuming unsafe food. He pointed out that adulterated and contaminated foods pose serious risks to public health and stressed the need for ensuring safe and nutritious food for all.

He urged for collaborative efforts to ensure food safety for the greater interests of protecting public health from hazards.

Speaking on the occasion, DNCRP Director General Faruque Ahmed emphasized that collective efforts from all quarters are necessary to ensure food safety for ensuring sound public health.

Prof Jahur Ali said the number of patients suffering from non-communicable diseases such as heart ailments and cancer is increasing due to the rising intake of unhygienic and unsafe foods

In her remarks, Zahura Shikder said adulterated and unhygienic animal-source foods put public health in jeopardy. She called for building social resistance against all ill attempts to make food unsafe.

BSS/AH/FHA/0923hhrs