Prime minister’s information and broadcasting adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday that the government would take all necessary decisions over the presence of microplastics in toothpaste by giving top priority to public interest.

Speaking at a press conference at PID at the Secretariat on the government’s recent activities, he said the authorities were treating the issue seriously following reports that microplastics had been detected in 26 toothpaste brands available in the domestic market.

‘However, this is not only a toothpaste issue; it is a global public health concern,’ he said.

He noted that even people who do not use toothpaste are exposed to microplastics, as the particles enter the human body through food, drinking water and other sources.

‘Taking action against a single product alone will not solve the problem. A coordinated approach is required,’ he said, expressing hope that the relevant government agencies would take appropriate measures in this regard.

Zahed said public awareness about health risks had increased significantly and the issue had generated widespread discussion on social media.

‘A government elected by the people will certainly take necessary steps in the interest of people,’ he added.

Responding to another question, the adviser defended the recent compulsory retirement of several deputy commissioners, saying the move was fully in line with existing civil service rules.

He said that the government has the legal authority to send any public servant to retirement without assigning a reason once the official completes 25 years of service.

Zahed described the 2018 general election as ‘one of the greatest crimes’ in Bangladesh’s political history, alleging that reports of votes being cast the night before polling had seriously undermined democracy.

He said the 2014 election was also controversial, but claimed that the allegations surrounding the 2018 polls were unprecedented.

Referring to a recently published book on the 2008 general election, he said it contained information suggesting that unusually large numbers of votes had been recorded at some polling stations in less than a minute.

‘These allegations also deserve investigation. If necessary, the 2008 election should also be investigated,’ he said.

He added that failure to ensure accountability over the alleged irregularities in the 2018 election would be ‘deeply unfortunate’ for the country.

Replying to a question on former president Mohammed Shahabuddin, Zahed said constitutional immunity protects a sitting president from legal proceedings only while he or she remains in office.

He said that once a president leaves office, legal action can be taken, if warranted, over allegations relating to actions committed before or after the presidency, in accordance with the law.