Voluntary organization My Rights demands mandatory health warnings on packaged food labels in Bhola

BHOLA — A local voluntary organization, My Rights, staged a protest demonstration in front of the Bhola Press Club on Saturday, demanding that the government mandate clear labeling of salt, sugar, and trans fat content on all packaged food products. The protesters also called for the inclusion of easy-to-understand health warning labels on food packaging to better inform consumers.

The hour-long demonstration drew a diverse group of participants, including representatives from social and cultural organizations, journalists, educators, legal professionals, and concerned citizens.

Speakers at the event highlighted that manufacturers often list ingredients in a manner that is technical and difficult for the average consumer to interpret. They argued that this lack of transparency obscures the health risks associated with the consumption of processed goods, making it nearly impossible for individuals to make informed dietary decisions.

The participants underscored the urgent need for regulatory intervention, noting a rapid rise in non-communicable diseases across Bangladesh, particularly heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Experts and activists alike contended that simply raising public awareness is insufficient; there is a critical need for strict control over the levels of harmful additives in food and a standardized system of clear health warnings on all packaging to protect public health.

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The program was chaired by Sheikh Farid, executive head of My Rights in Bhola. Notable speakers included Mobashir Ullah Chowdhury, president of the Bhola district chapter of Citizens for Good Governance (SHUJAN); Junnu Raihan, an assistant professor at Naziur Rahman College; and Bhola Press Club Vice President Mohammad Sulaiman.

Other contributors to the protest included lawyer Salauddin Prince, District Volunteer Party Joint Convener Harun Or Rashid, News24 District Representative Manjur Alam, former Bhola Media Club General Secretary Mohammad Aryan Arif, Bhola Multimedia Reporters Association General Secretary Mohammad Sohel Rana, and various media professionals including Golam Kibria, Yamin, Aminul Islam, and Saiful Islam, alongside Volunteer Party leader Eshak Farazi.