The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) has set up the country's first Formaline Testing Center on Sunday at its laboratory.

Residents of Dhaka City will get an opportunity to test fish and milk products, if contaminated by toxic element, formaline, by some dishonest businessmen.

"The BCSIR will sell the testing equipment at a cheaper cost and also would serve common people by testing their purchased milk and fish products free of cost,” said Chairman of BCSIR Dr. Chowdhury Mahmud while addressing the audience on the inauguration ceremony. However, he further announced establishment of three more testing canters in Chittagong, Sylhet and Savar with similar facilities.

Temporary laboratories would also be set up in different markets," he added.

This technology of testing formaline was innovated before six months and has been used several times during last anti-formaline drive in various markets in the city, said Majeda Begam, team leader of the scientist group who has innovated the process locally. "Earlier, such testing equipments were imported from Thailand, costing over Tk 7,000. Now our produced equipment costs not more than Tk 100 to 250 each," said Majeda Begum. Moreover, the technique is more reliable and long lasting compared with the imported one, she claimed.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the Secretary, Science and Communication and Technology praised all related scientists for their great works.