In a significant move towards ensuring food safety and consumer protection, the Bangladesh Safe Food Authority (BFSA) hosted a meeting on Monday to present and solicit feedback on the "Safe Food (Advertisement and Claims) Regulations, 2024." Held in the BFSA training room, the gathering aimed at refining the draft regulation, which comprises 16 comprehensive articles addressing various aspects of food advertising and claims. Under the proposed regulation, penalties will be imposed for false advertising, use of language that offends community sentiments, obscene content, and false superiority claims about food products. The draft meticulously outlines conditions for advertising, including nutrition and no-salt claims, use of additives, health support claims, and prohibited claims. It also details the process for handling advertising complaints and the penalties for non-compliance. Read: Ghorer Bazar offers safe food products, focusing on health, sustainability Abdul Qayyum Sarkar, Chairman of the BFSA, chaired the meeting and encouraged the integration of stakeholder feedback into the final regulations. The session featured discussions led by notable participants, including Rezaul Karim, former BFSA member, and Nazma Begum, who delivered the welcoming address. Highlighting the regulations' objectives, Nazma Begum stated, "These regulations aim to halt misleading or inaccurate advertisements by considering consumer demands and adhering to Codex principles." Read: Ensure safe food: Food minister Professor Razia Begum of Dhaka University's Department of Marketing emphasized the importance of strict enforcement and broad media dissemination post-implementation. The event saw active participation from representatives of various food establishments, who contributed their insights, with the BFSA assuring consideration of all input received. Nazneen Akhter, a scientific officer at the BFSA, presented the keynote, while the meeting was moderated by Sheikh Ferdous Arafat, a law officer at the authority. This initiative represents a critical step toward enhancing food safety standards and consumer trust in Bangladesh. Read more: First 'Safe Food Carnival' in the country starts from Feb 8

The authorities of Dhaka University have suspended 113 students and expelled another on different charges including for breaching rules and regulations and using unfair means in examinations. The decision to punish the students was taken at a meeting of the Disciplinary Committee of the university with Vice-chancellor Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman in the chair. DU Proctor AKM Golam Rabbani confirmed the matter saying that the decision will come into force after being passed by the syndicate. The expelled student is Jim Najmul of Masterda Surja Sen Hall of the university. He has been permanently expelled for eve-teasing as the allegation brought against him was proved, he said. Besides, a total of 113 students were suspended for various periods on account of using unfair means in examinations, eve-teasing, behaviour contradictory to university rules, and for taking drugs. Read more: Female student complains of harassment at DU dorm The proctor said that the committee awarded the punishment to 113 of the university and its affiliated colleges for different periods. Some 109 students from the affiliated colleges were suspended from two to four years for using unfair means in examinations and misconducting with teachers during discharging duties. The other four students belonging to the DU were also suspended for violating discipline for a maximum two years.