Barisal, Sep 17 (V7N) – Barisal Divisional Forest Officer Kabir Hossain Patwari has been suspended amid shocking allegations that he misused his government position to marry 17 women across different districts and subjected many of them to dowry-related torture.

Several of his wives lodged formal complaints with the Forest Department’s higher authorities, alleging harassment and abuse. The issue sparked an uproar on social media, prompting swift action from the ministry.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change ordered his temporary suspension and attached him to the Rangpur Range on charges of misconduct.

In his place, Dr. Mohammad Zahidur Rahman Miah, Deputy Conservator of Forests and current Divisional Forest Officer of Patuakhali, has been given additional responsibility as acting DFO of Barisal.

Meanwhile, local residents of Barisal staged a human chain demonstration demanding justice for Kabir Hossain’s alleged victims. His relatives also called for exemplary punishment.

Adding to his troubles, Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court Public Prosecutor Advocate Hafiz Ahmed Bablu filed a case against him in a Barisal court on Tuesday afternoon.

END/SMA/AJ