Joint secretary removed over mother’s neglect case

Government has removed Additional Secretary (Joint Secretary rank) Anisur Rahman from his post at Mongla Port Authority following allegations of negligence in the case involving the death of his 75-year-old mother at a Mirpur residence.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday, stating that he has been withdrawn from his current position and attached to the ministry.

Earlier in the day, Public Administration Senior Secretary confirmed that action would be taken under the Parents’ Maintenance Act, and necessary procedures, including hearing the official’s statement, would be followed.

On May 31, police recovered the body of 75-year-old Nurjahan Begum from a flat in Mirpur-11 after receiving a call through the national emergency service 999. Police said the body was found in a decomposed state.

Local residents described the apartment as unclean and poorly maintained, adding that a foul smell led them to alert authorities.

Pallabi Police Station officer-in-charge (OC)  Md. Hasan Basir said the deceased had been living in the flat with her daughter. He added that the house was in a highly unkempt condition.

Police further said the woman’s son is a government Joint Secretary, while another son is a teacher at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and her daughter works at a local school.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism over alleged neglect by the deceased’s children, prompting administrative action against the senior official.

TZ