A fake milk scandal has been uncovered in Jessore, where a dangerous mix of silicone gel, caustic soda, hot water, and fat is being used to produce imitation cow’s milk. This counterfeit product, intended for infant food and other consumables, is reportedly being bought by well-known companies in Bangladesh. In remote villages, at least a thousand litres of this so-called milk are being produced daily, using no cows. The discovery came to light when RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) raided several milk production facilities on Monday.
In the Vairchi Ghoshpora area of Keshabpur Upazila, many residents make their living by selling cow’s milk. Due to high production levels, two leading companies have set up milk collection centres in the region. However, allegations have emerged that some local businessmen are producing fake milk under the guise of cow’s milk, and that these companies are purchasing it knowingly. A joint investigation by RAB, the Consumer Rights Protection Authority, and the Safe Food Authority has confirmed these claims.
One of the local businessmen, Apu Ghosh, was arrested during the operation. He revealed that he learned how to produce fake milk through YouTube videos and started the business two years ago. According to Apu, he can produce 9 to 10 kg of the counterfeit milk using just 1 kg of gel, at a cost of only Tk100-150. He sells the fake milk to major companies like BRAC, Aarong, Akij, and Pran. The raw materials for making this milk are sourced from local stores in Jessore, such as Bholanath and Binimoy Stores.
Another businessman, Deb Ghosh, also admitted to producing fake milk with chemicals. He mentioned that between 15 and 20 individuals from the area regularly engage in this practice, and the milk is sold to BRAC’s collection centre.
Despite the milk being tested, Deb revealed that a system is in place to ensure the chemically produced milk passes as real cow’s milk. This system allows both adulterated and chemically made milk to pass tests, raising concerns among residents.
Locals have expressed frustration that companies are purchasing adulterated milk without proper testing. They argue that these companies are as responsible as the businessmen for allowing such illegal activities to continue.
Firoz Kabir, a local resident, stated that if companies had followed the correct procedures for collecting milk, the trade in fake milk would not exist. He added that if harmful or fake milk was returned after testing, the traders would be deterred from continuing the practice. He called for strict legal action against both the traders and the companies involved.
During the raid, local businessmen also accused the chemist at BRAC’s milk collection centre of being complicit in the illegal activity. The Safe Food Authority attempted to verify his credentials, but the chemist, Mamun, failed to provide any official certification. Mamun alternated between identifying himself as both a chemist and a lab assistant. Despite attempts to reach BRAC officials for comment, they declined. BRAC’s Area Manager, Mamunur Rashid, said he could only comment after a personal meeting.
Safe Food Officer for Keshabpur, Sushant Dutt, confirmed that Mamun did not have an official chemist’s certification. He only had short-term training from BRAC’s own centre, which he used to illegally conduct milk quality tests. Dutt said that the Safe Food Authority issues licenses in accordance with the Safe Food Act, but Mamun had not presented any relevant certification. He promised that action would be taken.
The Consumer Rights Protection Authority imposed fines totalling Tk2.05 on two businessmen under Sections 42 and 43 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act 2009 for producing adulterated milk. Govinda Ghosh’s dairy factory was fined Tk5,000, and Apu Ghosh was fined Tk2 lakh for producing milk using only chemicals.
Officials warned that consuming such adulterated milk over time could lead to serious health issues, including cancer. The milk produced in these factories is sold to various companies, and legal action is being taken against all those involved in this illegal operation.
Major Fazle Rabbi Prince, Company Commander of RAB-6 Jessore, confirmed that they had received secret information about businessmen in Vairchi Ghoshpora producing fake infant food. The joint raid with the Consumer Rights Protection and Safe Food Authorities uncovered the evidence, and legal action is being taken. He assured that RAB would continue such operations.
In a previous raid on 9 March, RAB arrested six members of a ring in Keshabpur’s Paziya involved in producing fake milk. The group had been mixing gelatin, soybean oil, and soda with cow’s milk. They were sentenced to imprisonment and fines for their involvement.
