Summary:
- A mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Ishrat Siddika fined Hanif Biryani BDT 100,000 for severe food safety violations in Dhaka.
- The restaurant’s kitchen was found in unhygienic conditions, with unlabeled spices, contaminated meat, and improper storage of cooking oil.
- Hanif Biryani failed to present mandatory licenses, including fire, premises, environmental, and health certifications.
- The operation was conducted under the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority with support from monitoring officers and Ansar personnel.
On December 22, 2024, a mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Ishrat Siddika conducted a surprise inspection at “Hanif Biryani,” a popular restaurant located at 30 Kazi Alauddin Road, Bangshal, Dhaka. The operation, carried out under the authority of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), revealed serious breaches of food safety and hygiene standards, resulting in a fine of BDT 100,000 under the Safe Food Act, 2013.
During the inspection, the mobile court found the restaurant’s kitchen in an extremely unhygienic condition, with open rooftops exposing food to potential contamination. Unlabeled spices and meat were discovered in storage, while the refrigerator contained coagulated blood—a clear violation of food safety protocols. Additionally, mustard oil used for cooking was being stored in visibly unclean drums.
The restaurant also failed to present mandatory certifications and licenses required for operation. These included an updated fire license, premises license, environmental clearance, health certificates for food workers, pest control documentation, and water testing certificates. Such omissions are critical violations under Bangladesh’s food safety regulations.
The BFSA team was supported by Monitoring Officer Md. Abdul Hannan, Food Safety Inspector Md. Mizanur Rahman, other BFSA staff members, and personnel from the Battalion Ansar force. The fine was collected on-site as part of the enforcement measures.
The Safe Food Act, 2013 empowers authorities like BFSA to regulate and monitor food businesses to ensure public access to safe and hygienic food. This law aligns with international standards and aims to protect consumers from health risks associated with unsafe food practices.
The mobile court initiative reflects broader efforts by the government to uphold public health standards amid growing concerns about food safety in Bangladesh. However, this case also highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring compliance among food establishments.
Hanif Biryani is a well-known eatery in Dhaka with a loyal customer base. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous hygiene standards to protect public health and retain consumer trust. Authorities have urged all food business operators to adhere strictly to safety regulations to avoid similar penalties and ensure the well-being of their patrons.
