Barishal medical students, doctors lock health director's office over 'opposing July Uprising'
Despite the protest, Dr Shahin returned to his office this morning. Around 11:30am, students led by Dr Nazrul Islam Selim, DAB unit president of the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, entered his office and asked him to leave.
Leaders of the BNP-backed Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and students of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College today (8 July) locked the office of Barishal Divisional Health Director SM Moniruzzaman Shahin, demanding his removal over allegations that he opposed the 2024 July Uprising.
The incident took place around 2:30pm at the office of the divisional health director.
According to witnesses, Dr Shahin was appointed as the Barishal divisional health director on Sunday (5 July) and resumed office the next morning. However, he left the office about an hour after joining. Shortly afterwards, a group claiming to be July fighters reportedly locked his office and held a demonstration in front of the building.
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Despite the protest, Dr Shahin returned to his office this morning. Around 11:30am, students led by Dr Nazrul Islam Selim, DAB unit president of the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, entered his office and asked him to leave.
Dr Shahin initially refused, leading to a heated exchange between the two sides. Later, more students joined the protest, and around 2:20pm protesters escorted him out of the office and locked the room.
Dr Nazrul Islam Selim alleged that many doctors linked to the BNP were denied promotions during the Awami League government's tenure, while Dr Shahin continued to receive professional benefits and privileges.
Jonaed Islam, a student of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, alleged that Dr Shahin had prepared lists of protesters during the July Uprising and shared them with intelligence agencies.
He also claimed that Shahin, while serving as deputy director of the hospital, prevented injured protesters from receiving treatment.
"We have locked his office because those who betrayed the July Uprising should not be rewarded with important public positions," Jonaed said.
Responding to the allegations, Dr Shahin said he had served as the vice-president of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal unit at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College during his student years and is currently associated with DAB.
He said that during the July Uprising, he had to perform his official duties following instructions from his superiors.
"I am now waiting for whatever decision the ministry takes," he said.
