Questions have been raised over the actions of Bangladesh's Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) following allegations that two batches of medicines manufactured by Biogen Pharmaceuticals Limited contained less vitamin D3 than their declared amounts. Allegations have also been raised against DGDA Director General and Licensing Authority Md. Alamgir Hossain over possible irregularities in implementing regulatory measures, alleged collusion with the pharmaceutical company, and suspected bribery and corruption. These allegations have not been independently verified.
According to the information provided in the original report, samples of two medicines manufactured by Biogen Pharmaceuticals—Maxcoral-DX Tablet and Maxcoral-D Tablet—were tested in April this year at the National Drug Control Laboratory (NDCL) in Mohakhali, Dhaka. The report refers to laboratory findings dated April 6.
The complaint states that batch 5K17274 of Maxcoral-DX Tablet was supposed to contain 400 IU of vitamin D3 per tablet but reportedly tested at 273.81 IU. This represents a shortfall of approximately 31.5 percent from the declared amount.
Similarly, batch 5K12276 of Maxcoral-D Tablet was supposed to contain 200 IU of vitamin D3 per tablet but reportedly tested at 135.52 IU, approximately 32.2 percent below the declared amount.
According to the findings described in the report, both samples failed to meet the specified standards. However, the original laboratory report and supporting documentation have not been independently verified for this article.
The complaint further alleges that, following the test results, the DGDA temporarily suspended the registrations of the two medicines and ordered production and marketing to stop. It also reportedly directed that legal proceedings be initiated before the Drug Court concerning the non-compliant medicines.
However, the complainants claim that subsequent implementation of these directives stalled. They further allege that the relevant batches continued to be supplied and sold despite the suspension of registration. The claims concerning continued marketing could not be independently verified through distribution records or an updated statement from the relevant authorities.
The alleged delay in implementing regulatory decisions, the status of the proposed court proceedings, and the role of the officials concerned have become central questions in the complaint. The complainants have also called for an investigation into whether any improper financial transactions or collusion occurred between Md. Alamgir Hossain and responsible individuals at Biogen Pharmaceuticals.
No independently verified evidence establishing bribery, corruption, or collusion was available for this report. The allegations should therefore be treated as claims requiring investigation rather than established findings of wrongdoing.
According to the original report, a formal complaint has been submitted to the chairman of Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The application reportedly requests the collection of official records, an investigation into why court proceedings were not initiated, an examination of potentially improper financial transactions and bank accounts, and legal action against any officials found to have engaged in misconduct.
The original report also states that repeated attempts were made to contact DGDA Director General Md. Alamgir Hossain by telephone for comment, but his response could not be obtained.
A comprehensive and impartial assessment of the allegations would require verification of the original laboratory findings, written regulatory directives, registration suspension records, relevant distribution records, and statements from all parties concerned.