Protesters Lock Barisal Civil Surgeon Office Demanding Removal of New Appointee
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Protesters in Barishal locked the office of the district civil surgeon on Sunday, intensifying a campaign against the recent appointment of Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman. Under the banner of the Conscious Citizens Committee, demonstrators staged a sit-in at the facility, demanding the immediate revocation of his appointment to the role.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare officially appointed Dr. Moniruzzaman to the post on July 21, replacing former civil surgeon Dr. S.M. Manzur-e-Elahi, who was reassigned as an officer on special duty (OSD) at the Directorate General of Health Services.
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The agitation stems from allegations that Dr. Moniruzzaman, who served as the Gaurnadi Upazila health officer during the July-August uprising, failed to provide assistance to injured protesters. Critics further allege that he neglected his duties by failing to prepare a list of the deceased and wounded as required after August 5. Demonstrators also claim to possess evidence linking him to the inner circle of Abul Hasanat Abdullah, a former Awami League lawmaker and cousin of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Student demonstrators argue that an official associated with the previous regime should not hold such a critical administrative position in the health sector. Protester Sabbir Hossain stated that the appointment of an official facing such serious allegations is unacceptable, emphasizing the need for an impartial and honest civil servant in the role. Another student, Labanya Akter, reinforced these sentiments, noting that the movement is dedicated to ensuring the public’s right to transparent and effective health services.
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In response to inquiries regarding the protests and the specific allegations, Dr. Moniruzzaman confirmed his appointment on July 21 and his subsequent transition into the role on July 23, but he declined to address the claims against him directly.
This incident follows a similar pattern in the region. Earlier in July, protesters—including members of the pro-BNP Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and local medical students—forced the newly appointed divisional director of health, S.M. Moniruzzaman Shahin, out of his office and locked the doors. That protest led the health ministry to cancel his appointment on July 12, leaving the position currently vacant.
Demonstrators have warned that they will continue their sit-in and launch more rigorous protests if their demands for the removal of the current civil surgeon are not met.
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