An illegal, adulterated Jarda factory has been set up in Thakurgaon. It is manufacturing various types of Jarda along with betel-nut and spices anonymously. And all these are being made from 'rice straw'.
Jarda and Betel Nut spices are being made by using tobacco leaves, straw and fragrance. These are available in markets and are being bought by ordinary buyers which are posing a fatal risk to their health.
Messrs. Sharif Chemical Works has been set up inBhangapu area, next to the Tariya road in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila. There is no way to tell from looking at the first sight that it is a Jarda factory. There is no signboard either. Inside the factory, various materials including chemicals for making Jarda were seen. The Jarda they produce is being marketed under different names in boxes.
Investigations revealed that five Jarda and Betel Nut spice factories have been set up in different parts of Thakurgaon district. Some of the factories have been continuously producing adulterated Jarda and betel nut spices for 5 to 7 years.
On the spot, it was seen that rice straw is being used as an ingredient in betel nut and spice in the zarda factory. A group of workers are preparing these by filling them in boxes and preparing them for marketing. Every day, sales workers are taking their adulterated Jarda and betel nuts to the shops in the market by filling those on vans. On going to the market, it was seen that the Jarda and betel nuts produced in the illegally established Jarda factory are available in various markets and villages in Thakurgaon city and other villages. They are going to different parts of the country. Begum Nan, a woman who came to buy betel nut and zarda at the cooperative market at the old bus stand in the municipal city, said, "I don't know the real or fake Jarda. I know that these are harmful to health. It has become a habit, I can't quit now. No medicine works on the body after eating betel nut and Jarda. The production of Jarda and cigarettes should be stopped. If it is not available in the market, then you can stop eating it."
A local businessman, who did not want to be named, said, "People do not know what they are eating. They are eating without knowing. Rice straw is being used in betel nut and in masala. This is seriously damaging the health."
Nabel Islam Shah, Executive Director of the non-governmental development organization 'Eso Jiban Gari', which works against tobacco in Thakurgaon, said, "Tobacco use is increasing day by day. He demanded immediate action to stop production and selling of Tobacco and Tobacco based items."
Shariful Haque, owner of the Jarda manufacturing company, 'Mercas Sharif Chemical Works', said, "Many illegal companies are producing Jarda in Thakurgaon. I came and legalized it. I pay VAT and tax to the government."
When asked about this, Thakurgaon District Food Safety Officer Mahmudul Kabir said, "This is the work of the health department, it is not our job."
Thakurgaon Civil Surgeon Dr. Nur Newaz Ahmed said that necessary measures will be taken in this regard after discussing with the Thakurgaon district administration. Deputy Manager of the Factory Registration Authority Thakurgaon BSCIC, Hafizur Rahman said that betel nut and Jarda do not fall under the industry. The matter will be investigated.
Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Ishrat Farzana said that if the industries operate ignoring the government's rules, immediate action will be taken against them. Jarda is a readily available smokeless tobacco product and using Jarda is a deadly addiction. It is extremely harmful. It contains harmful ingredients responsible for cancer. Many people eat Jarda and Pan-Samla with betel leaves.
The conscious people of Thakurgaon want effective measures to prevent the use of Jarda and Pan-Masala and to close the factories making adulterated Jarda and Pan-masala.
