Cost of human sufferings and painful death (in some cases) has been assessed at Tk 75,000 to Tk 300,000/- with a nominal jail sentence of one to three years. Doesn't it look ridiculous and synonymous with the absolute protection and impunity that the extremisms and the "Dharma Traders" are enjoying under the incumbent government since it assumed power?

If the very purpose is to give a free hand to the dishonest and profit hungry traders and manufacturers to continue their present practice with immunity, I must agree that it has effectively served its purpose.

The adulteration practices depicted in TVs and those reported in the newspapers are awesome and worrying. It really demands serious attention. The deterrents and punishments should be proportionate to the nature of the crime and the impact that it may have on the human health.

A case of severe nature definitely deserves 10 to 20 years of jail sentence and in some cases death penalty. In the present context, the minimum fine should have been few folds higher than TK 75,000. The maximum fine amount should remain open. The appropriate higher or judicial authority should exercise this option considering various relevant factors. Large conglomerates that deliberately cheat the society can be fined their entire fortune if it so merits.

It may or may not be relevant in the context of the issue in hand; nevertheless, I feel I should share the following event with the readers.

It was 1984. I was working in the Rangpur Branch of a private bank. The then government, under pressure from various environmental groups, did impose a ban on catching and exporting frogs to maintain ecological balance. After a recess, the senior leader of the Frog Suppliers Association resurfaced and wanted his usual banking facilities to restart his business. To my utter surprise, he proudly said that their Association had paid Tk 5 crore to a high-up and the ban was lifted!