The High Court has ordered an investigation into the matter after the publication of a research report on the presence of microplastics in 26 of the 34 toothpastes sold in the country. An expert committee of three members has been formed for this. The committee has been asked to submit its inquiry report to the court within the next 15 days.
On Tuesday (July 28) at noon, Justice Khizir Ahmed Chowdhury and Justice Md. The High Court bench of Ziaul Haque gave the order.
Earlier, Supreme Court lawyer Abdullah Al Mamun filed a writ in the High Court demanding an investigation into the presence of microplastics in the toothpaste sold in the country's market.
The writ petitioner said that initially he wants to verify the truth by investigating the matter. He also said that if the investigation proves the truth of the complaint, the related products will be withdrawn from the market.
Earlier, last Sunday (July 26) a research report on 34 toothpastes of 19 brands sold in the country's market was published at Esdo's head office in Lalmatia, Dhaka.
According to Esdo, this research has been conducted nationwide from July 2025 to June 2026. It includes consumer surveys, laboratory sample testing, and interviews with regulatory and scientific experts. Through this, an attempt is made to assess the presence of microplastics in toothpaste and the public awareness and policy challenges in this regard.
In the study, a survey was conducted on 2 thousand 760 consumers from different areas of the country. At the same time, 34 toothpaste samples of 19 brands were tested at the Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology (EHE) laboratory of the Department of Environmental Science, Jahangirnagar University.
The study analyzed the samples using stereomicroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. According to the report, microplastic particles were detected in 26 of the 34 toothpastes tested. Microplastics were not found in the remaining eight toothpaste samples.
According to the report, 20 to a maximum of 320 microplastic particles were detected per 100 grams of toothpaste containing microplastics.
Microplastic pollution is currently a global concern for the environment and public health. Research has been done on the presence of microplastics in various consumer products including toothpaste in different countries of the world. Stakeholders consider such scientific evaluation of toothpaste in Bangladesh to be important in determining product safety standards, strengthening surveillance and creating effective policies in the future.
Meanwhile, the investigation report of the expert committee will now be looked at after the High Court's directive. The investigation may reveal more detailed information about the nature, source and potential health risks of microplastics detected in toothpaste.
