Legal notice issued to import beef through TCB

A legal notice has been sent to the officials concerned of the government demanding to bring beef within the affordability of the common people and to import it through the Trade Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) within 30 days.

Md Mahumudul Hasan, a Supreme Court lawyer, sent the notice on Sunday. Fisheries and Livestock Secretary, Commerce Secretary and the Chairman of the TCB have been made respondents in the notice.

If appropriate steps are not taken regarding the issue, the notice sender warns to file a writ petition with the High Court demanding the same.

The notice said beef is the most essential food for the majority of people of Bangladesh. But the notice receivers have failed to secure this essential food for the majority of people of Bangladesh.

“According to the Article 15 of the Constitution of Bangladesh, it is the duty of the state to secure the basic necessities of life, including food. But, the notice receivers have failed to secure the essential food, i.e., beef, for the majority of people.”

The notice further said price of beef in Bangladesh has recently increased significantly. The average price of beef is between Tk 750 and Tk 850, which is consistently increasing. Beef is the primary source of nutrition for most people in Bangladesh.

“According to section 12 of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh Order, 1972, it is the legal responsibility of the TCB to import essential goods and commodities and to maintain a sufficient buffer stock of essential commodities.

According to the Import Policy 2021-24, beef importation is permitted. The TCB has therefore failed to fulfill its legal obligation to import beef to ensure a sufficient supply of beef at an affordable price for the people of Bangladesh.

Overall, all notice receivers failed to fulfill their constitutional obligation under Article 15 and violated the fundamental rights of the people under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution,” the notice also read.