Dhaka, June 7, 2026- The High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh has issued a Rule Nisi and several directives to relevant government authorities following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Obhoyaronno – Bangladesh Animal Welfare Foundation, A K Khan Healthcare Trust and renowned award-winning actress & animal welfare activist Ms. Jaya Ahsan concerning the illegal horse meat trade in Bangladesh.
The petition arose from a joint enforcement operation conducted in Gazipur in November 2025, where authorities uncovered an illegal horse slaughter facility and rescued numerous severely diseased horses. Veterinary examinations reportedly identified serious health concerns, including infections, parasitic infestations, and suspected zoonotic diseases. The petitioners alleged that horse meat was being processed and sold for human consumption, sometimes misrepresented as beef.
The writ petition was filed through Barrister Saqeb Mahbub, Dr. Cynthia Farid, and Advocate Sajid Hassan, and was heard on 7 June 2026 by a Division Bench comprising Mr. Justice Ahmed Sohel and Ms. Justice Fatema Anwar.
Following the hearing, the Court issued a Rule upon the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, asking them to explain why their failure to take effective measures against the illegal horse meat trade should not be declared unlawful.
The Court also directed the authorities to investigate the allegations, take appropriate legal action, submit an investigation report, formulate a nationwide action plan and guidelines within 90 days to prevent the horse meat trade, and take immediate steps to prevent the auction or disposal of confiscated horses.
The case highlights important issues relating to animal welfare, food safety, and public health, and remains pending before the High Court Division.
