HC questions govt inaction

The High Court yesterday issued a rule questioning the legality of the government's inaction to stop smuggling of drugs and production of counterfeit medicines.

It sought the government's explanation as to why inaction to take steps to stop the smuggling of drugs and surgical equipment and manufacture of fake medicines should not be declared illegal.

Health secretary and director general of the Directorate General of Drug Administration and its director have been asked to respond to the rule within four weeks.

The bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman came up with the rule following a writ petition filed by Ghulam Sarwar, secretary of Organisation of Social and Environment Changes, an NGO.

He submitted the petition yesterday saying that some dishonest businessmen were reportedly smuggling expired drugs, surgical equipment, and manufacturing fake medicines without licences.

Those medicines and equipment are being sold at pharmacies and to people. Therefore, the public health is being badly hampered, the petitioner said, adding that the authorities concerned of the government are not taking effective steps to stop such activities.