A law to this effect should be passed in parliament in order to safeguard the lives of the people, said Abu Naser, president of Paribesh Bachao Andolon, terming such traders the enemy of the nation.

He placed the demand at a press conference organised by the Citizens' Rights Movement (CRM) at the National Press Club in the city.

The leaders of the organisation also demanded introduction of the 'Consumers' Right Act' which was drafted in 1992.

They called on the government to continue the mobile court operation against adulterated food and unhygienic conditions in food factories. The mobile court led by a metropolitan magistrate has recently launched a crackdown on food shops, restaurants and hotels selling adulterate food items and preparing foods in unhygienic environment.

"These unscrupulous traders should be sentenced to death and their property and assets be seized," said Tushar Rehman, convenor of the CRM, in a keynote paper.

But at the same time, the law enforcers should be careful so that no honest traders are punished, he added.

Unscrupulous traders always mix toxic chemicals with fishes, meats, fruits and vegetables and harmful colours with food items, which poses serious health hazards, said the leaders at the press conference.

They also suggested forming a platform with civil society members and representatives from NGOs and the government in order to check such illegal practices.