Rajshahi, Mar 25 (V7N) – Despite a decade-long legal battle culminating in a Supreme Court verdict, Dr. Saera Banu has yet to be reinstated as the acting principal of Rajshahi Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital. She alleges administrative obstruction and undue influence are preventing her from assuming her rightful position.

"Despite a 10-year legal battle and a Supreme Court verdict, the acting principal of Rajshahi Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Dr. Saera Banu, has not been made aware of her responsibilities," a legal document confirmed.

Dr. Saera Banu initially assumed the role of acting principal on April 30, 2015. However, her appointment was challenged by the then-Deputy Commissioner, who instead appointed Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman. Dr. Banu subsequently filed a writ petition in the High Court, citing the appointment as illegal.

"Dr. Sayera Banu took charge as the acting principal of Rajshahi Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital on April 30, 2015. But the then president and the Deputy Commissioner did not approve her as the acting principal and instead appointed Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman as the acting principal," a court record detailed.

The High Court ruled in Dr. Banu’s favor, issuing a stay order against Dr. Rahman's appointment. Dr. Rahman's appeals to the Supreme Court were dismissed, and the High Court's ruling was upheld. Most recently, on February 23 of this year, the Supreme Court's Appellate Division dismissed Dr. Rahman’s final appeal.

"The Appellate Division dismissed the appeal on June 21, 2015 and on May 10, 2018, the High Court declared the appointment of Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman as the acting principal illegal and gave a full judgment. That The appeal too On February 23 this year, the Supreme Court's Appellate Division dismissed the case and upheld the High Court's verdict," a legal summary stated.

Despite these rulings, Dr. Rahman continues to hold the position, and Dr. Banu alleges that the district administration is delaying the implementation of the court's decision. She filed an application with the current District Commissioner Afia Akhtar on March 2, requesting the transfer of principalship.

"Attaching a copy of the Supreme Court's Appellate Division's verdict, the aggrieved Dr. Saira Banu filed an application on March 2 requesting the transfer of the responsibility of acting principal to the current District Commissioner Afia Akhtar. Saira Banu alleged that the district administration is delaying the process by not assigning her the responsibility even after filing the application," a legal representative reported.

Adding further complexity, Dr. Rahman was reportedly promoted to the position of principal by the Bangladesh Homeopathic Board in 2022, during the ongoing legal proceedings.

"It is known that during the court case, on 13 February 2022, the Bangladesh Homeopathic Board directly promoted him from the post of lecturer to the post of principal," an investigation revealed.

Dr. Rahman maintains that his appointment was legal, citing instructions from the board and the District Commissioner.

"Speaking, Dr. Anisur Rahman, the acting principal of Rajshahi Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, said, 'The person who appointed me as the acting principal on April 15, 2015, as per the board's instructions, is the District Commissioner. Secondly, I am now here as a regular principal since 2022, as per the board's instructions and regulations, as per the selection committee,'" Dr. Rahman stated.

Attempts to reach Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhtar for comment were unsuccessful.

The ongoing dispute highlights concerns about administrative compliance with judicial rulings and raises questions about the influence of local politics in institutional matters.

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