The High Court yesterday issued a rule upon the government to explain within three months as to why it has not taken any legal steps to stop operation of unregistered blood transfusion centres.

The HC bench of Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain and Justice ATM Fazle Kabir directed the government to submit a report within three months on the list of unregistered blood transfusion centres and actions taken against those centres.

It also directed the government to ensure whether the registered blood transfusion centres are being operated following the Safe Blood Transfusion Act.

The health secretary and the director general of Directorate General of Health Services, have to reply to the rule and comply with the order.

The HC bench came up with the rule following a writ petition filed by a victim of unsafe blood transfusion Ainur Rashid and non-government organisation Ain O Salish Kendro and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust.

In the petition they contended that the petition has been filed with a plea to take legal action against the unregistered blood transfusion centres as per the Safe Blood Transfusion Act 2002.

Barrister Sara Hossain assisted by advocate Abanti Nurul appeared for the petitioners.