The High Court on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the alleged presence of harmful microplastics in most toothpaste sold in the country's market and directed that a report be submitted within 15 days.

The bench of Justice Khizir Ahmed Choudhury and Justice Ziaul Haque passed the order.

Earlier, the HC issued a rule and directed the formation of a three-member expert committee, with one representative each from BUET, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), to carry out the investigation.

The directive comes following a writ petition filed on Monday by Supreme Court lawyer Abdullah Al Mamun, seeking a judicial inquiry after a study revealed microplastics in 26 out of 34 tested toothpaste samples.

The Secretary of Health, Secretary of Environment, Secretary of Commerce, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), and the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) have been named as respondents in the petition.

Microplastics found in 76 percent of toothpaste sold in Bangladesh, Mediplus tops the list

Three out of every four toothpastes sold in Bangladesh contain microplastics, according to a new scientific study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO).

The study analysed 34 toothpaste samples from 19 brands and found microplastics in 26 samples, more than 76 percent of the products tested. Researchers detected between 20 and 320 microplastic particles per 100 grams of toothpaste.

The findings were unveiled at a press briefing held at ESDO's headquarters in Dhaka on Sunday.

Conducted between July 2025 and June 2026, the year-long study combined laboratory analysis of toothpaste samples, a nationwide consumer survey involving 2,760 respondents, and interviews with scientists and regulatory officials.

Laboratory testing was carried out at the Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology (EHE) under the Department of Environmental Sciences at Jahangirnagar University.

The study found microplastics in toothpaste manufactured in Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Vietnam.

Among the 25 Bangladeshi-made samples tested, 22 contained microplastics. One of five Indian products, one of two Thai products and both Vietnamese products also tested positive.

The highest concentration was found in Mediplus Fluoride Gel, with 320 particles per 100 grams. Closeup Red Hot and Closeup Menthol Fresh each contained 160 particles per 100 grams.

Other products with notable levels included Signal Green Tea (120), Pepsodent Advance Salt (100), Himalaya Complete Care (100) and Sensodyne Fresh Mint (80).

However, no detectable microplastics were found in Zenfresh, and Close-Up Red-Hot Zinc Fresh Technology, both manufactured in Bangladesh.

The findings also raised concerns over children's oral care products.

Four out of six children's toothpastes tested contained microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 140 to 20 particles per 100 grams.

Among them, Kodomo Ultra Shield Formula recorded the highest concentration at 140 particles, followed by Meril Baby Strawberry (60), Meril Baby Orange (40) and Pepsodent Kids Orange (20).

Parachute Just for Baby and Kodomo Orange tested negative.

Researchers found that none of the tested toothpaste products disclosed the presence of microplastics or synthetic polymers on their packaging or labels.

According to ESDO, the absence of ingredient disclosure prevents consumers from making informed choices and makes regulatory monitoring more difficult.

ESDO Secretary General and Senior Technical Adviser Dr Shahriar Hossain said all samples were collected directly from supermarkets and retail outlets, eliminating the possibility of counterfeit products being included in the study.

The consumer survey found that public awareness of microplastics in oral care products remains low.

Among the 2,760 respondents, 41.9% said they had never heard that toothpaste could contain microplastics, while another 31.3% had heard the term but lacked detailed knowledge. Only 26.9% said they were aware of the issue.

Mediplus emerged as the most widely used toothpaste brand, preferred by 35.6% of respondents. It was followed by Closeup and Pepsodent (13.8%), and Colgate (11.3%).