BSS-47 Use of toxic chemicals like formalin in food is like an act of mass killing: President

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ZCZC

BSS-47

PRESIDENT-SUST-CONVOCATION

Use of toxic chemicals like formalin in food is like an act of mass
killing: President

SYLHET, Jan 8, 2020 (BSS) – President M Abdul Hamid today urged the
government, social representatives, political leaders, students and others
concerned to create a mass resistance against the use of harmful chemicals
like formalin in food, fruits and vegetables as it is an act of mass killing.

Addressing the third convocation of Shahjalal University of Science and
Technology (SUST) here, he said a section of dishonest businesspeople is
frequently using hazardous chemicals and formalin in fruits, vegetables and
other food items to become rich overnight which causes many fatal diseases
like cancer.

“It’s a like a part of mass killing and it can’t be tolerated at all . .
. If it continues, we’ll be paralyzed ultimately,” he said, urging the
government to take necessary steps in this connection.

The head of the state also asked the students of all educational
institutions, including universities, to create mass awareness against the
dishonest traders who use toxic substances in foodstuff.

He also advised the students to carry out cleanliness drive on the roads
and other places to ensure a safe environment.

President Hamid asked the graduates for continuing research to attain
uniqueness in the field of technology.

“Bangladesh has to achieve individualism in the field of technology . .
. Continuous research is mandatory in this regard as the country’s progress
depends on the invention of new technology and its expansion,” the President
said.

Abdul Hamid added: “There is no alternative to technical knowledge to
meet the demand of the state and mass people. Due to the blessings of
information technology, the development could be reached at the people’s
doorsteps.

” Terming the youth a driving force for the country’s development and
positive changes, Hamid said, “You know well who’ve inspired you and extended
financial help to gain knowledge and build yourselves as true human being –
they’re our general people. So, the nation expects that you will play a
responsible role for the people of Bangladesh.”

The President lauded the overall activities of SUST, hoping that the
university would uphold its reputation to play a pivotal role in building
militancy-free, scientific-minded generation imbued with the spirit of the
1971 Liberation War and the ideal of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman.

A total of 6,750 graduates received certificates at the convocation.
Twenty students received President’s Gold Medal for their outstanding
performance and results. Besides, 89 students who stood first in their
departments received the vice-chancellor award.

Vice-Chancellor of the university Farid Uddin delivered welcome address
while eminent literary critics and writer Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam delivered
convocation speech.

Local political leaders, lawmakers, secretaries concerned to the
President, senior civil and military officials, among others, were present.

BSS/ASG/CORR/SIR/FI/2100 hrs