Bagerhat, Aug 10 (V7N) — Allegations of widespread corruption and irregularities at Morelganj Upazila Health Complex have sparked outrage among locals, prompting a mass protest outside the hospital gate on Saturday afternoon.
 
Hundreds of residents in Morelganj Upazila, Bagerhat, gathered on Saturday to protest what they claim is long-standing corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement at the local Upazila Health Complex. The protest follows recent accusations against the hospital’s senior accounts assistant, Matubbor Md. Rezoan Hossain, who has been employed at the facility for years and is alleged to have manipulated internal operations for personal gain.
 
One of the central accusations involves the dismissal of Shahina Begum, a cleaning staff member employed under an outsourcing contract. According to Shahina, Rezoan Hossain took a large sum of money from her under the pretense of job security but later had her terminated by allegedly influencing the hospital administration and forging signatures. Her position was reportedly filled by Rezoan’s own daughter, Marium Akter.
 
Shahina Begum has submitted formal written complaints to the Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner, the Civil Surgeon, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), demanding investigation and justice.
 
During the protest, residents alleged that hospital services have been deteriorating for years. Patients frequently face drug shortages, are forced to buy medicine from outside pharmacies, and suffer from a lack of basic healthcare services. Despite government allocations worth millions in subsidies for free medicine, the hospital reportedly fails to distribute them properly.
 
Protesters claimed that Rezoan Hossain and other officials have created a culture of bribery and manipulation within the facility. Locals including Master Mashiur Islam, Abdul Hakim, Saiful Islam, Sukhi Akter, Abul Kalam Shikder, and Farzana Akter alleged that fake bills and vouchers are regularly submitted to embezzle funds. They also claimed that outsourced workers such as ward boys, night guards, and cleaners are routinely forced to pay bribes to receive their salaries.
 
Shahina Begum stated that she paid a total of Tk 72,000 in bribes over the 2023–2024 fiscal year—Tk 60,000 via check and another Tk 12,000 in cash—to continue in her role. She further alleged that five other outsourced employees faced similar extortion.
 
When asked for comment, Rezoan Hossain denied all allegations. “I have not taken any money from anyone, nor do I have the authority to hire or terminate staff,” he said.
 
Morelganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Mujahidul Islam confirmed that Shahina Begum had been absent from duty for an extended period and that higher authorities were informed. He stated that any action taken was based on their direction. However, he expressed uncertainty regarding how Rezoan’s daughter was appointed to Shahina’s former position, saying he had not been informed.
 
Regarding the ongoing drug shortages, Dr. Islam noted that this was not unique to Morelganj. “There is a temporary medicine supply issue across many hospitals during July and August. We are hopeful it will be resolved soon,” he added.
 
Despite multiple complaints being submitted over the years, locals say no significant actions have been taken by the higher authorities, further eroding public trust. They have called for an impartial investigation and swift administrative response to restore accountability at the hospital.
 
END/MPS/SMA/