Carew steps up to produce hand sanitisers

Amid a shortage of hand sanitizers against the growing demand, Carew and Co (Bangladesh) Ltd, the country's sole state-owned distillery, has stepped forward to produce the alcohol-based solution for masses as part of its social responsibility.

Many shops and pharmacies have run out all sort of hand rubs as consumers have been thronging the stores to get a hand on the disinfecting product since the first coronavirus cases were confirmed on March 8.

There is also a scarcity of isopropyl alcohol, the primary raw material needed to prepare the disinfectant, according to sources. 

Located inside the compound of Darsana Sugar Mill in Chuadanga, Carew has successfully produced high-quality hand sanitizers on a test basis and ready to start marketing of the product at a reasonable price.

All the new product needs to hit the shelves is a nod from Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC), said Jahid Ali Ansary, managing director at Carew and Co.

"We are producing hand sanitizers with a mixture of 60 to 70 percent rectified spirit, glycerine, colour and flavour. Our expert chemist and pharmacists are involved with the production of the disinfectant that can kill any virus instantly," he said.

"We are capable of producing as much as needed to meet the demand," Jahid said, adding that they were planning to sell the product through 13 warehouses and three sales centres of the company across the country.

The company is also planning to sell the product through pharmacies and a meeting in this regard would be held at the Ministry of Industries today, he added.

"The maximum retail price of a 100ml container would be fixed at Tk 60, which is cheaper than any sanitizers available in the market", he said, adding that the decision was taken to meet the targets of company's social responsibility.

Sanat Kumar Saha, chairman of the BSFIC said, "This is undoubtedly a very bold step on the part of the company and we would consider permitting its sales once we get the quality clearances from Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute".

Professor Dr Md Ashraful Alam, chair of the chemistry department at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, said, "Hand sanitizers can be made with any kind of alcohol.

"Normally it is made with isopropyl alcohol, but ethanol is a very good substitute. And in Bangladesh, ethanol can only be produced by Carew and Co," the professor said.

Md Abdul Halim, secretary of the Ministry of Industry, said, "This is a crucial time and we all must extend our highest support.

The initiative taken by Carew is praiseworthy and the ministry will leave no stone unturned to get all the clearance so that the company could start marketing the new product in no time.