HC orders investigation into ‘harmful’ microplastics found in toothpastes

The High Court has ordered the formation of a three-member expert committee to investigate the incident of “harmful” microplastics being found in 26 out of 34 toothpastes in the country’s market. 

The Secretary and BSTI Director General have been asked to submit an investigation report to the court within the next 15 days.

A High Court bench comprising Justice Khizir Ahmed Chowdhury and Justice Md Ziaul Haque passed the order on Tuesday in response to a writ petition filed in public interest. Writ petitioner Advocate Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed the matter to Daily Samakal.

A writ petition has been filed in the High Court seeking an independent investigation into the fact that 26 of the 34 toothpastes being sold in the country’s market were found to contain “harmful” microplastics. 

Supreme Court lawyer Md Abdullah Al Mamun filed the writ petition in public interest on Monday. 

The writ petition has made the Health Secretary, Environment Secretary, Commerce Secretary, BSTI and Consumer Rights Protection Council respondents.

According to a report published in the media, microplastics were found in 26 of the 34 toothpastes tested in the country. The number of these tiny plastic particles in every 100 grams of toothpaste ranged from 20 to 320. 

Microplastics were also detected in four of the six toothpastes made for children.

This information has emerged in a new study by the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO). 

Researchers say the presence of microplastics in toothpaste is raising serious concerns about the potential risks to human health and the environment. 

The researchers also said that toothpaste cannot contain microplastics in any way. The study, titled “Microplastics in Toothpaste: Scientific Evidence for Policy and Regulatory Action in Bangladesh”, was released at the ESDO office in Lalmatia in the capital on Sunday.

The study, conducted from July 2025 to June 2026, tested 34 toothpaste samples from 19 major brands. These were manufactured in Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Microplastics were found in 22 out of 25 samples made in the country. In addition, microplastics were detected in one of the five samples from India, one in two samples from Thailand and two in two samples made in Vietnam. 

Six of the 34 samples included in the study were children’s toothpastes. Four of them were found to contain 20 to 140 microplastic particles per 100 grams.