Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer of Barguna’s Patharghata upazila has left his workplace following alleged threats and an incident at his official residence.
The officer, Dr Nil Ratan Sarker, submitted a written statement to the Barguna civil surgeon on Tuesday morning, mentioning that his personal safety was at risk and that he was no longer in a position to continue his duties at the upazila health complex.
According to sources, the situation escalated over a dispute related to contracting work for sanitation and laundry services at the Patharghata Upazila Health Complex. Local influence over procurement and service contracts has reportedly been a recurring issue in the area.
Health sector officials said alternative arrangements were being considered to ensure uninterrupted medical services, although they acknowledged that the absence of the chief health officer could affect overall management.
According to eyewitnesses, several local individuals entered the officer’s government quarter on the second floor during a power outage and allegedly behaved in an inappropriate manner around 11:00 PM on Monday.
Being informed, police later arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control, escorting the officer to safety. He was later taken to Baraitala ferry ghat by a government vehicle early in the morning.
A hospital official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the general secretary of the local Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal unit had recently issued threats at the hospital premises. At least two patients present at the time also reportedly confirmed similar incidents. However, the accused, Khairul Islam Sharif, denied the allegations, saying he was not involved and had not visited the hospital on the day of the incident.
Dr Nil Ratan Sarker said he came to serve the people, not for personal gain. “Where there is no security for my life, how can people expect services? In this situation, it is not possible for me to continue working,” he said.
Barguna Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Abul Fattah said pressure had been created on the health officer over several service contracts, particularly sanitation-related work. He said the matter had been brought to the attention of the police superintendent a day earlier.
He added that following the deterioration of the situation, health officer submitted a brief letter stating his decision to leave the workplace. The matter has been reported to higher authorities and the district administration, and an investigation report is being prepared.
Barguna Superintendent of Police (SP) Md Kudrat-e-Khuda said police responded immediately after receiving information about the incident at the government quarter and brought the situation under control. Surveillance in the hospital area has been increased, he added.
Barishal Divisional Health Director Dr Shyamal Krishna Mondal termed the incident unfortunate and said the matter had been communicated to the ministry and local administration for necessary action. He expressed hope that the officer would return to duty once security is ensured.
Local residents expressed concern that prolonged absence of the health officer could disrupt medical and administrative services at the hospital, urging authorities to restore normalcy quickly.
IH/AM
