Laj Pharma Penalised for Selling Fake Medicines

Laj Pharma, a pharmaceutical company in Tangail, has been fined 200,000 Taka for selling counterfeit medicines, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The operation was carried out in the Akur-Takurpara area of Tangail city and was led by Assistant Director Asaduzzaman Rumel of the Department of Consumer Rights Protection.

The action followed a written complaint submitted by Md. Shafiqul Islam, prompting officials to investigate the firm’s activities. During the inspection, medicines sold by Laj Pharma were found to be counterfeit, posing serious health risks to consumers. Rumel emphasised that the sale of fake medicines is a grave offence and warned that similar consumer protection operations will be conducted regularly to safeguard public health.

Under Section 41 of the relevant consumer protection law, the company was fined 200,000 Taka for its violations. In addition to Rumel, the raid included Sanitary Inspector Shaheda Akter, Drug Superintendent Zafar, and several other joint team members from the Tangail Civil Surgeon’s Office, ensuring that the inspection was thorough and legally compliant.

Officials noted that the prevalence of counterfeit medicines remains a critical public health concern. Such medicines may be ineffective or harmful, leading to treatment failure or serious health complications. The Department of Consumer Rights Protection has urged consumers to be vigilant when purchasing pharmaceuticals and to report any suspicious products to authorities promptly.

A summary of the operation is provided below:

Authorities stressed that strict enforcement of consumer protection laws is essential to prevent the distribution of fake medicines and protect public health. Consumers are advised to verify medicines at authorised pharmacies and remain cautious of unusually low-priced or unverified products.