Order to submit report on health risks from mobile tower radiation

The High Court has directed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to submit a report to the court after conducting a study to assess the potential harm caused to humans, animals, birds and plants by mobile tower radiation. The court has asked it to accept a project based on the opinion of experts from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and submit the report within the next six months.

The High Court bench of Justice JBM Hasan and Justice Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan passed the order on Wednesday (May 13). At the same time, it has also ordered the submission of a compliance report by including a provision in the guidelines not to install mobile towers in populated areas such as schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and court areas. The next hearing of the case has been fixed for December 2.

Earlier, environmental organization Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh filed the writ in the public interest, adding reports published in various media alleging health risks caused by mobile tower radiation. In 2019, the High Court issued a ruling on this issue and ordered a review of the radiation levels and the formulation of guidelines.

On the orders of the High Court, BUET Professor Kamrul Hasan gave his opinion to the court and recommended reducing the radiation levels in a written report. He also proposed a detailed study on its health effects in Bangladesh.

At the hearing, senior lawyer Manzil Morshed, representing the writ petitioner, said, "The radiation levels of mobile towers have been reduced in various countries including India, China and Germany. But the old standards of ICNIRP are still in force in Bangladesh. Various studies have shown that this level is harmful in South Asian countries. Without taking that into account, those who follow the opinion of ICN IRP are still keeping the previous radiation levels in effect. Although studies in several countries, including India, have shown that such levels are geographically harmful to those living in our South Asian countries.

Senior advocate Manzil Morshed and advocate Sanjay Mondal argued for the writ, and advocate Manzoor Nahid argued for the BTRC.