The High Court yesterday directed the government to form a five-member authority within three months to implement the Safe Food Act 2013 to ensure public safety and health.
The High Court bench of Justice Mirza Hossain Haider and Justice Md Ataur Rahman Khan gave the order while hearing a writ petition filed by the human rights organisation Legal Action Bangladesh Foundation.
The court also asked the government to constitute a National Safe Food Management Advisory Council comprising 28 high officials within three months to coordinate the actions and decisions of the safe food authority and make necessary recommendations.
Petitioner’s counsel Syed Mohidul Kabir told the Dhaka Tribune: “The High Court bench also asked the government to submit a report before it in three months after complying with the order.”
On May 21, the Legal Action Bangladesh Foundation filed the writ petition, seeking directives to implement the safe food act.
The High Court subsequently directed the food secretary to submit a report on the progress of making the proposed law effective.
After examining the food secretary’s report, the court on May 26 instructed the government to make the law effective through a gazette notification in 60 days.