The government has decided to include the provision of DNA testing in procuring new taka-one and taka-two metal coins to avoid possible health hazards.

It will procure two billion pieces of taka-one and taka-two metal coins during 2011-12 and 2012-13 fiscal years. Bangladesh Bank (BB) has accepted the proposal to take DNA testing of DIN 1013-3 and DIN 1061 which is essential for metal coins for securing health safety for the people.

Earlier, the central bank ignored the health issues and did not maintain DNA testing for metal coins, sources said.

“The government circulates metal coins as those are not easily perishable and so it procures metal coins,” said a senior official of the finance ministry.

The BB in the tender advertisement has included the provision of two DNA tests for procuring coins.

Besides, the finance ministry in a letter to the BB authority wanted to know the financial involvement in DIN 1013-3 and DIN 1061 testing, according to sources.

The ministry also asked the BB authority to submit it a list of the countries which are using the DNA tested coins to avoid health hazards, according to the letter.

The letter of finance ministry, members who attended the meeting opposes the idea of two DNA tests as anti-microbial test of meeting for procurement of one and two taka metal coins.

As per the proposal, the government would require Tk 2.60 billion for procuring taka-one and taka-two coins, 1 billion pieces of each kind.

The cost of procuring taka-one coin is Tk 1.50 billion while that for taka-two coins is Tk 1.10 billion.

Meanwhile, the portrait of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will be printed in the proposed taka-one and taka-two coins.

Source: The Daily Sun/ Bangladesh/ 8th Dec 2011