SATKHIRA, Apr 27: Traders violating the district administration's set calendar for mango collection and marketing in the district have been caught and fined.
To maintain the reputation of Satkhira's mangoes and ensure safe marketing practices, the district administration had earlier announced a specific schedule for mango harvesting. At a meeting held on May 5 last year in the Deputy Commissioner's conference room, it was decided that Mumbai and Golapkhas mangoes could be collected and marketed from May 9, Gobindabhog from May 11, Himsagar from May 22, Nangra from May 29, and Amrapali from June 10.
However, despite clear instructions, traders have been found harvesting and transporting unripe mangoes, often treated with harmful chemicals to hasten ripening, to various parts of the country, including Dhaka.
On April 24 night, a mobile court led by Satkhira Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Atish Sarkar seized 900 kg of Gobindabhog mangoes from a transport vehicle at the Bakal High School intersection in the town. The mangoes, found chemically treated and unripe, were destroyed immediately by a road roller next to the Bakal High School field. Businessman Abdullah Gazi (45), son of Ahmad Ali from Garanbaria Village in Debhata Upazila was arrested during the raid. He was fined Tk 20,000 and sentenced to one month in jail in default of payment.
Similarly, on April 22 night, Satkhira Sadar Police Station seized about 4 metric tons of mangoes from the bypass road. After inspection, 10 carats of chemically ripened Gobindabhog mangoes were destroyed under a mobile court order, while 160 carats of safe mangoes were auctioned for Tk 45,000. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Mobile Court Judge and Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Shoaib Ahmad, Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station Shaminul Haque, and Agriculture Officer Monirul Islam.
Officials stated that unscrupulous traders are harming the district's reputation by attempting to market chemically ripened, unripe mangoes prematurely. They reiterated that the campaign to seize and destroy such mangoes would continue to protect consumers and preserve Satkhira's renowned mango industry.
Agriculture Officer Monirul Islam added, "Mangoes from Satkhira enjoy a nationwide reputation. To protect this reputation and prevent the sale of adulterated food, the collection and marketing of mangoes must strictly follow the announced schedule. Immediate action will be taken if the use of harmful chemicals is detected."
On the same night, police also seized another five carats of mangoes being illegally transported to Dhaka.
Authorities have urged all farmers and traders to adhere strictly to the harvesting calendar and warned of strict penalties for violations.
