Assasuni (Satkhira) Correspondent

Allegations of selling expired medicines have recently surfaced against Insaf Medicine Corner, a pharmacy located at Budhata Bazar in Assasuni upazila of Satkhira district. 

The incident has sparked widespread concern across the upazila. Locals fear that such irregularities may not be limited to this one pharmacy and could be a more widespread issue, posing a serious threat to public health.

According to sources, Faruk Hossain, a well-known cosmetics trader from Budhata village, fell ill recently and purchased an injection from Insaf Medicine Corner. However, upon visiting a doctor, he was informed that the injection was expired and, therefore, could not be administered. Faruk later returned to the pharmacy with a group of local journalists and checked the batch—only to find that all the injections in stock were past their expiry date.

When questioned by reporters, the pharmacy's owner, Ashraful Alam Tuhin, claimed, "I personally handed over the injection. It should not have been expired. Perhaps it was a mistake."

However, locals allege that this is not an isolated incident. They claim that similar occurrences have taken place at the pharmacy multiple times in the past. There are also accusations against the owner of misbehaving with medical representatives and failing to clear outstanding payments on time.

In a recent incident, Md. Abdul Kalam, a representative of a pharmaceutical company, visited the pharmacy to collect pending dues. He was allegedly treated rudely and threatened by employees of the shop, which caused tension in the market. A crowd of several hundred people gathered at the scene and condemned the behavior, urging the pharmacy staff to treat representatives with respect.

Local sources further revealed that just a month ago, Insaf Medicine Corner was accused of supplying expired medicine to a child based on a doctor's prescription. The matter went viral on social media and was covered by various local news outlets. Despite repeated warnings, the pharmacy reportedly continues its questionable practices.

Concerned citizens of Assasuni have voiced strong condemnation, saying, "Negligence by a single pharmacy does not just affect an individual—it endangers the whole community." They have stressed the urgent need for strict regulatory oversight.

They added that the lack of regular monitoring in various markets of Assasuni has allowed many pharmacies to operate unchecked. Without immediate and firm action by the authorities, the danger posed by expired medicines could spiral out of control.

The local civil society has called for an urgent investigation by the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) and demanded strict legal action against those responsible. They also urged for thorough inspection campaigns across all pharmacies in Assasuni to ensure expired medicines are removed and public health is protected.