Fake Milk Production Continues in Pabna

In Bhangaura upazila of Pabna district, a mobile court has sentenced a man to imprisonment and imposed a financial penalty for producing adulterated milk, amid ongoing reports that such illicit activities continue despite repeated legal action.

On Friday at midnight, an executive magistrate and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (acting), Mizanur Rahman, conducted a mobile court operation and sentenced Faruk Hossain (40) to one year of simple imprisonment. He was also fined one lakh taka for his involvement in the production of fake milk.

Faruk Hossain, a resident of Singari Jagannathpur village in the upazila, had previously been penalised for similar offences. In October 2024, he was fined fifty thousand taka by a mobile court for the same type of illegal activity. Despite that penalty, he reportedly continued operating his production facility and manufacturing adulterated milk.

According to relevant sources, Faruk Hossain had been producing fake milk for a prolonged period by mixing prohibited substances including glucose jelly, soybean oil and various chemicals. These ingredients were used to manufacture milk-like products in violation of food safety regulations.

Following information that the illegal activity was continuing, authorities carried out a raid on his factory late on Friday night. During the operation, officials discovered equipment and materials used for producing adulterated milk. Subsequently, he was handed the prison sentence and fine under applicable legal provisions.

During the raid, approximately 200 litres of prohibited glucose jelly were seized from the premises. The confiscated materials were destroyed on the spot as part of the enforcement action.

Authorities and local sources have also indicated that Faruk Hossain is not the only individual involved in such activities within the area. In Char Bhangaura village, a man named Sanyaj Kumar has reportedly faced multiple jail terms and fines, yet continues to be involved in the production of fake milk. Similarly, Abul Bashar of Koidanga village was fined in the previous year but is also alleged to have continued producing adulterated milk using prohibited glucose jelly and other chemicals.

Local residents have stated that illegal milk production is being carried out in several parts of the upazila through small factories and chilling centres. These products are reportedly distributed to different parts of the country, raising concerns regarding food safety and consumer protection.

A dairy farmer from Bhangaura market, Amirul Islam, stated that genuine milk from local farmers is typically delivered to chilling centres in the morning and evening. However, he noted that large quantities of milk are now arriving at some chilling centres during the night from various sources, which he described as suspicious. He further suggested that increased monitoring of these centres by the administration could help prevent such activities.

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (acting) and executive magistrate, Mizanur Rahman, stated that under Section 50 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, Faruk Hossain was sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment and fined one lakh taka. He further confirmed that 200 litres of prohibited glucose jelly were destroyed during the operation and added that such enforcement activities would continue in the public interest.

Summary of reported enforcement actions

The authorities have reiterated that operations against the production and distribution of adulterated milk will continue in order to safeguard consumer rights and ensure food safety standards.