Authorities in Rajshahi’s Bagha upazila uncovered a factory producing counterfeit molasses without using any sugarcane or date juice. The operation, conducted by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Wednesday morning, led to the seizure of a large quantity of adulterated molasses and sugar. The factory owners, Lucky and Santu, were fined a total of 100,000 taka by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection. Investigators found that the molasses was made using sugar, flour, fabric dye, hydrogen, gas powder, and lime instead of natural juice. The fake products were distributed across Rajshahi, Natore, and Pabna markets. RAB officials confirmed that about one ton of adulterated molasses was destroyed. Health experts warned that consuming such chemically produced molasses could cause severe health issues, including cancer, particularly among children. The authorities said further raids and penalties would follow in other suspected factories.