Hospital director removed amid allegations of political affiliation

Dr. Mamunur Rashid has been removed from his post as director of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, just days after a group of pro-government doctors called for his dismissal. The Health Services Division issued a circular announcing the decision, which designates Dr. Rashid as an officer on special duty (OSD) attached to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

His appointment as director on May 19 had drawn protests from leaders and activists of the Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB). They alleged that Dr. Rashid was associated with the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip), a physicians' group aligned with the ruling Awami League party. The tension escalated on June 3 when DAB activists reportedly removed his nameplate and confronted him in his office.

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On June 3, DAB activists removed his nameplate and confronted him in his office.

In response to the accusations, Dr. Rashid refuted the claims. Speaking to The Daily Star, he stated that his political involvement was limited to his student days with Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. He further explained that a friend had made him a life member of Swachip without his knowledge or consent, asserting his lack of active affiliation with the organization.

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Speaking to The Daily Star that day, Mamunur rejected the allegation, saying he had been involved with Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal during his student days and that a friend had made him a life member of Swachip without his consent.