Bangladesh Faces Health Crisis Over Excessive Chemical Fertilizer Use

A recent workshop in Bangladesh highlighted serious concerns over the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Experts warned that heavy metals in these products pose major health risks through the food chain. The event also called for stricter management and transparency in food production.

The program took place under the leadership of Professor Md Alimul Islam, vice-chancellor of Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), who attended as the chief guest. Professor Md Abdul Awal, chief coordinator of Bangladesh Agricultural University Research and Innovation Centre, chaired the discussions.

Professor Mohammad Shahjahan Manjil, from Bangladesh Agricultural University's plant pathology department, delivered the keynote paper. He and other speakers stressed the need to cut down on chemical fertilizers, which currently total 5 million tonnes annually in Bangladesh. Many of these products, including urea and TSP, contain improper levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.

The experts proposed shifting to eco-friendly alternatives like organic fertilizers, integrated pest management, and pheromone traps. They also urged better regulation to ensure adulteration-free practices across the food supply chain. Among the notable attendees were Professor Khandaker Mostafizur Rahman, former vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Professor ATM Mahbub-e-Elahi from SAU, and Bangladesh Tea Research Institute director Md Ismail Hossain.

Discussions focused on balancing food security with safe production methods. Participants agreed that reducing chemical dependence was essential for long-term public health.

The workshop concluded with calls for greater adoption of bio-pesticides and sustainable farming techniques. While no specific data on bio-fertilizer usage was available, experts emphasised the urgency of change. The recommendations aim to lower health risks linked to chemical fertilizers in Bangladesh's agriculture sector.