3,360kg of chemically ripened mangoes seized, destroyed in Satkhira

Authorities in Kaliganj upazila of Satkhira district have seized and destroyed a large consignment of chemically treated, unripe mangoes that were being transported to Dhaka.

The operation was conducted on Thursday at Shuilpur area under Bharashimla union in the upazila with the support of Border Guard Bangladesh.

According to Kaliganj Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Md Moinul Islam Khan, 3,360 kilograms of Govindabhog mangoes; packed in 168 crates, had been harvested prematurely and artificially ripened using chemicals. 

The seized fruits were later destroyed by crushing them under a truck on a nearby embankment road adjacent to BGB camp, he added.

He further added that the pickup driver, Shahin Hossain, was fined Tk1,000 for transporting mangoes mixed with harmful chemicals.

Officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to prevent the distribution of unsafe, chemically treated fruits in local markets.

MZR/SH