The High Court has issued a rule questioning why authorities’ failure to stop the production, sale, online promotion and use of burnt mobile stoves should not be declared illegal.
The bench of Justice Razik Al Jalil and Justice Debashish Roy passed the order Wednesday, also directing the relevant authorities to submit a compliance report within 90 days detailing legal, administrative and technical measures taken to eliminate the stoves.
Petitioner’s lawyer Nusrat Jahan said the writ plea was filed to protect constitutional rights, public health, food safety and the environment.
“The burning of used motor oil releases severely toxic pollutants that pose a threat to public health,” she added. “The court has heard our arguments and issued the rule.
“It has also directed the respondents to submit a compliance report within 90 days detailing the steps taken to eliminate the use of these hazardous stoves.”
Nusrat argued the case on behalf of petitioner Sultana Sheherzade, assisted by advocates Nilufa Sultana, Mir Sazid Rubel and Md Saiful Islam.
Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque represented the respondents, assisted by Deputy Attorney Generals Jamila Ahmed and Zasidul Islam Jony.
The writ petition names 11 respondents including the ministries of environment, law, health, home affairs and local government.
According to the petition, used motor oil is classified as “hazardous waste” under the Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 2021, and burning it in the open violates the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act.
It argues that restaurant cooks and street vendors working near the stoves for eight to 12 hours a day are exposed to toxic emissions that increase the risk of respiratory illness, skin disease and life-threatening conditions such as cancer.
The petition also says heavy metals and other toxic particles released through incomplete combustion contaminate street food and cooking oil, polluting the food chain.
The petitioner has sought several directives, including the formation of a joint taskforce comprising the Department of Environment, police and the Directorate of National Consumers’ Right Protection to seize and destroy the stoves from public places, roadside food stalls and factories through mobile courts.
It also seeks an order directing the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to take immediate technical measures to stop the spread of videos and advertisements on YouTube, Facebook and other platforms showing how to make the stoves.
The petition further calls for a nationwide awareness campaign across print, electronic and social media on the health risks, fire hazards and environmental damage linked to burning used motor oil.
