Chemists and druggists yesterday threatened to go on strike unless the government stops operations of unregistered medicine companies in the country.
Bangladesh Chemists and Druggists Samiti (BCDS) made the threat at a convention titled “In Protests against Fake and Adulterated Medicines” at Bashundhara Convention Centre 2 in the capital yesterday.
They said they would keep their pharmacies shut from December 16 to 17 if the government does not shut down all illegal medicine companies by December 15.
Around 2000 chemists from all over the country attended the convention yesterday.
BCDS Chairman Sadekur Rahman claimed: There are 62 unregistered medicine companies in the country but the government has failed to take any action against them.”
Director General of the Drug Administration Jahangir Hossain Mollik, who was present at the programme, however said: “If you find any kind of fake drug factory, inform me, I will take action.”
He added that every dispensary should have the list of qualified medicine companies so that people can choose the best for them.
BCDS Convention Committee Convenor Md Abubakar Khan said the factories did not have any licence from the government.
Bangladesh Pharmacist Society Chairman Naser Shahriar Zahedi, among others, was also present at the convention.
