From children to the elderly, people across the country are increasingly suffering from kidney failure, cancer, and other serious illnesses caused by consuming counterfeit and adulterated life-saving medicines.
Medical experts believe the use of such fake and substandard drugs is one of the key reasons behind the rising death toll in the country. Two recent investigative reports published in The Daily Ittefaq on counterfeit drugs and antibiotic resistance have sparked significant public concern and debate among healthcare professionals and civil society alike.
Multiple pharmaceutical traders have revealed alarming information about the production and distribution of counterfeit, adulterated, and low-quality drugs. They claim that consuming such medications can lead to sudden or permanent kidney failure and other life-threatening diseases, including cancer. Reputed doctors have also warned that these drugs could result in death.
Syndicate Operating from Mitford
Mitford in Old Dhaka is home to the country’s largest medicine market. From here, wholesale drugs are supplied to Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh. A syndicate of over 50 individuals reportedly controls the distribution of counterfeit, adulterated, and substandard medicines in this market.
Several traders have confirmed this, stating that the syndicate knowingly pushes dangerous drugs into the market, endangering public health. Medical professionals equate this deliberate act with murder and have called for stringent actions—many recommending that the elite force RAB be tasked with cracking down on those involved.
Rampant Violations and Lax Oversight
According to law, only licensed pharmacists are authorized to sell, distribute, and store medicine. Yet, around 90% of drugstores across the country operate without certified pharmacists. For years, the market has been in chaos with unchecked sales of fake, substandard medicines and antibiotics.
Despite claims from drug regulatory officials that they are actively working against counterfeit producers and distributors, traders say there is little visible impact on the ground.
Insider Testimony
One trader shared his story with The Ittefaq. He once owned two stores in the Mitford medicine market and had run both retail and wholesale businesses for 20 years. During that time, he witnessed numerous instances of fake and substandard drugs being openly sold.
He also alleged that certain leaders of the Chemist and Druggist Association encouraged traders to sell such medicines and even received regular payments (extortion) from these vendors.
These counterfeit products include essential drugs such as insulin for diabetes and various antibiotics, which are distributed from Mitford across the country, especially in rural areas where fake medicine is rampant.
The trader, who preferred anonymity, said he faced constant pressure from the association to sell such products. Eventually, unable to withstand the coercion, he sold his businesses and moved to Dhanmondi to continue his trade under safer conditions.
Although mobile courts have occasionally raided the Mitford area and seized huge quantities of fake drugs—slapping fines and jail sentences on some sellers—the illegal trade continues unabated.
Foreign Brands Also Targeted
Imported medicines are among the most commonly counterfeited. Dishonest members of the syndicate have been copying and distributing fake versions of well-known international drug brands. There are also allegations that some officials in the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) are complicit in these activities.
History Repeats Itself
Back in the late 1980s, over 2,000 children died of kidney and liver failure after consuming adulterated paracetamol syrup—a tragedy that remains etched in the country's memory. Yet, decades later, the counterfeit medicine crisis has not only persisted but has spread from urban to rural areas. Countless silent deaths continue due to consumption of such toxic drugs—most of them going unrecorded.
Experts insist that unless visible, strict punishment is ensured, it will be impossible to curb this deadly trade.
Medical Experts Sound the Alarm
Dr. Harun-or-Rashid, a renowned kidney specialist and president of the Kidney Foundation, stated that consumption of fake and adulterated drugs is a major cause of both sudden and long-term kidney failure.
He emphasized the importance of prohibiting the sale of antibiotics and other critical drugs without a proper prescription—and ensuring strict penalties for violators.
Dr. Shafi Ahmed Moazz, former director of the Children’s Hospital, said that enforcement of laws and harsh punishment could significantly reduce the prevalence of counterfeit drugs.
A prominent cancer specialist warned that many patients are developing cancer and dying after unknowingly consuming fake medicines, but no comprehensive monitoring exists to track this. Dr. Ayesha Begum, Deputy Director of the Shyamoli 250-bed TB Hospital, emphasized that patients are falling victim to severe illnesses due to counterfeit drugs, and that strong legal action against sellers is urgently needed.
Dr. M.N. Huda, a dermatologist and venereal disease specialist, noted that skin conditions such as itching, scabies, and ringworm are becoming more widespread. Even after using two or three medications, patients are not recovering. He stressed the importance of testing every imported medicine and cosmetic product before approving them for human use.
Call for Instant Action
Former magistrate Rokon Ud-Doula, once known for his anti-adulteration drives, said that immediate on-site testing and punishment upon seizure of counterfeit drugs is essential if this crisis is to be brought under control.
