Barishal doctors, students lock health director's office for second day
A group claiming to be July fighters reportedly locked Dr Shahin’s office yesterday, demanding his removal over allegations that he opposed the 2024 July Uprising.
Leaders of the BNP-backed Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and students of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College today (9 July) locked the office of the newly appointed Barishal divisional health director for the second consecutive day.
Officials at the divisional health director's office said Director SM Moniruzzaman Shahin arrived at the office in the morning and worked for around 30 minutes before leaving. Soon afterwards, a group of students led by DAB leader Nazrul Islam Selim reportedly locked the main gate of the office, disrupting official activities.
Yesterday, a group claiming to be July fighters reportedly locked Dr Shahin's office and held a demonstration in front of the building, demanding his removal over allegations that he opposed the 2024 July Uprising.
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Speaking to reporters this afternoon, DAB leader Selim said they had locked the office the previous day and returned today after hearing that Dr Shahin had entered the premises.
"We heard that Moniruzzaman Shahin, an Awami League accomplice, had opened the office and resumed work despite our protest. That is why we rushed here. But when we arrived, we found that he had already left. So, the students locked the office again.
"During the Awami League government's tenure, our promotions were blocked in various ways. But Shahin continued to enjoy all the benefits and opportunities during that time. Even now, they are again getting all the advantages. So, what will happen to us?" he added.
DAB Barishal District Unit General Secretary Dr Monayem Saad said many doctors were unwilling to accept Dr Shahin as the divisional director over allegations that he opposed the 2024 July Uprising.
Rejecting the allegations, Dr Shahin said he had been the vice-president of the BNP's student wing at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College during his student years and is currently involved with DAB.
"During the July Uprising, I carried out various official duties following instructions from my superiors," he said, adding that he would wait for the ministry's decision regarding his appointment.
Dr Shahin was appointed Barishal divisional health director on 5 July and resumed office the following 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 staged a demonstration in front of the building.
