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Health secy summoned over toxic Rid Pharma syrup

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Update: 2017-08-21 09:53:49
Health secy summoned over toxic Rid Pharma syrup

DHAKA: The High Court on Monday (Aug 21) summoned the Health Secretary for not taking any action against two officials of the drug administration over the death of 28 children from toxic syrup of Rid Pharmaceuticals Ltd in 2009. 

An HC bench of Justices Mohammad Dastagir Hossain and Mohammad Ataur Rahman ordered the Health Secretary Sirajul Haque to appear before it on Wednesday (Aug 23) following a petition filed by lawyer Manzil Morshed.

He said, earlier, the health secretary was ordered to inform the HC what action was taken against the two officials for their negligence in dealing with the case filed for manufacturing toxic paracetamol syrup that killed at least 28 children in 2009.

The officials are- Shafiqul Islam, assistant director of the Directorate General of Drug Administration and its deputy director Altaf Hossain.

On Monday, Health Secretary submitted a report to court saying the two officials were given warning but the HC wanted to know what action was taken against them. In response, court summoned the secretary to appear before it.

Earlier on 2009, a total of 28 children throughout the country died after taking toxic drug ‘paracetamol’ of Rid Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Department of Drug Administration sued five people over the incident. A trial court acquitted the five on Nov 28. 

Later the government filed a petition with the HC against the trial court verdict.    

BDST: 1940 HRS, AUG 21, 2017
AP/SMS

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