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Rajshahi human chain demands ban on hazardous pesticides
Speakers at a human chain demanded a phased ban on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), including Paraquat, to protect the environment, public health, biodiversity and safe food system in Bangladesh.
Research organization BARCIK, Barind Youth Forum, and Green Coalition jointly organized the event at Saheb Bazar Zero Point on Monday, July 20 at 10:00AM. Farmers, environmental activists, youth representatives, researchers, and civil society members participated in the demonstration.
Speakers said chemical pesticides used for years under the guise of boosting food production are severely harming humans, bees, fish, birds, soil, water, and the ecosystem.
Citing a 2025 study by PAN Asia Pacific, speakers noted that out of 96 pesticides used across four Asian countries, including Bangladesh, 53 were identified as highly hazardous. These chemicals cause cancer, hormonal disorders, neurological damage, and environmental pollution.
Speaking at the event, Abu Sama, General Secretary of Nowhatta Fishermen's Association, said toxic runoff from farmlands is killing fish fry and destroying indigenous fish species in local water bodies, forcing fishermen to change professions.
Upen Rabidas, President of Adivasi Youth Council, urged the government to prioritize agroecology, warning that excessive pesticide use is wiping out wild vegetables, native fish, and herbal plants vital to indigenous food culture and nutrition.
Anthropologist and BARCIK Researcher Shahidul Islam stressed that banning HHPs would not weaken agriculture, but would make it sustainable. He called for a scientific re-evaluation and phased phase-out of hazardous pesticides in line with international standards.
Farmer Md Mizanur Rahman and Agroecology practitioner Sultana Khatun demanded government subsidies, training, and market support for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), organic pest control, and local seed conservation.
President of Green Coalition Paba unit Rahima Begum presented a 15-point demand list. Key demands include scientific re-evaluation of all pesticides, phased ban on HHPs under WHO-FAO guidelines, strengthening national pesticide residue testing, subsidizing eco-friendly farming alternatives, and launching a ‘National Agroecology Transition Programme.’
Speakers concluded that banning toxic pesticides is essential to secure public health, protect farmer rights, and ensure a climate-resilient food system for future generations.
-AH/SA
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
