Failure to Ban Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) Violates Human Rights
In Satkhira’sKolaroaupazila , beekeepers in Sonabaria village lost 180 boxes of bees due to toxic pesticide spraying. Similarly, in litchi orchards of Bijora, Chokmara, and Madhobbati villages in Dinajpur’sBiralupazila, millions of bees were killed. This is not simply a loss of pollinators; it threatens livelihoods, food security, health, biodiversity, and cultural rights. When bees are poisoned, our human rights especially the right to life, health, and a safe environment are directly violated. For decades, Bangladesh has used pesticides internationally classified as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). According to the WHO, FAO, and Pesticide Action Network ( PAN International ) guidelines, these chemicals pose severe risks to human health, soil, water, rivers, pollinators, and food safety. Continued use of HHPs is therefore both an environmental and human rights concern. The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees citizens’ rights to life, health, safe food...