Students protest joining of Barishal health director

BARISHAL, July 7: A group of students staged a protest at the office of the divisional health director in Barishal on Tuesday, opposing the joining of newly appointed Divisional Director (Health) Dr SM Moniruzzaman.

The protesters gathered in front of the office on the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College (SBMC) campus in the morning and demanded that his appointment be withdrawn. At one stage, they locked the room designated for the new divisional health director.

The students alleged that Dr Moniruzzaman had been associated with a political programme in the past and argued that he should not be appointed to the post. During the demonstration, they chanted slogans and called on the authorities to cancel his appointment.

The protesters referred to a leaflet of a political rally held on the SBMC campus on August 3, 2024, claiming that Dr Moniruzzaman's name appeared on it. They said this was the reason behind their opposition to his appointment.

Responding to the allegations, Dr Moniruzzaman denied any political involvement. He said he had only carried out his administrative responsibilities as part of his official duties.
 
According to a notification issued by the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday, Dr Moniruzzaman was appointed as the Divisional Director (Health) for Barishal. Before his transfer, he served as deputy director of Satkhira Medical College Hospital.