MAR 30 (V7N) - Allegations have been raised that an influential syndicate has been controlling tender trade, outsourcing, recruitment and various service sectors at Rajshahi Medical College (RMC) Hospital for a long time. The complaint states that a group led by S.M. Rashidul Salekin (Sumon), PA, is still active and 8-10 people, including the ward master, are involved in it.

The victim and related sources claim that despite the syndicate's exclusive dominance since 2004, no effective action has been taken by the relevant authorities and the accused Suman has not been transferred elsewhere. According to the complaint, on December 1, 2024, Ward Master Russell Ali and Md. Shahidul of Ramech Hospital took Tk 320,000 from Sharifa Begum of Rajpara area of ​​Rajshahi city in the name of providing her with a job. She was assured of working as a cleaner in the control room of ward number 23.

Later, although he was given an identity card and clothes, he was not paid a regular salary—sometimes 2,500 taka, sometimes 4,500 taka, it is alleged. The complaint states that the accused made an immoral offer to make the job permanent if she returned to work after getting treatment for her illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The victim claimed that when she refused to accept it, her identity card and clothes were forcibly taken away from her.

In this incident, the victim woman filed a case (Civil Court Rajpara) (Case No. 437, Date: 01/12/2024) after giving a written complaint to Brigadier General FM Shamim Ahmed, former director of Ramech, but did not receive any redress. However, she said that she has not received the money back yet.In addition, there are allegations against Ward Master Md. Shahidul Islam of using additional units in the hospital quarters without permission. In this regard, on June 1, 2024, Assistant Director (Administration) Dr. Md. Abu Taleb issued a show cause notice to him (Memorial No.: Ramek Ha/Prosha/2024/2660).

According to hospital sources, Deputy Director Dr. Hasanul Habib and RAMEC Assistant Director (Administration) Dr. Md. Abu Taleb, under the umbrella of PA S.M. Rashidul Salekin Suman, is implementing the past Awami fascist agenda and continuing his reign at RAMEC with full force.

There are further allegations against this syndicate that the hospital is in a dilapidated condition due to not cooperating with the newly-joined Ramech director and running the hospital in their own way. The deaths of 33 children in the hospital are causing a storm of criticism across the country. Still, it is alleged that this syndicate is not creating any example of doing any kind of work to protect the reputation of the hospital. It is also known from multiple sources that this fascist-era syndicate is actively playing a role in tarnishing the image of the current government and questioning the medical sector. Although the victims have filed complaints against the former health advisor, former health secretary, health DG and former director of Ramech, Brigadier General FM Shamim Ahmed, it has not seen the light of day.

Reports on various irregularities at Ramech Hospital have been published in several national and local newspapers before. These reports raised allegations of fraud in the name of employment, bribery, human chains, and misconduct against employees. There are allegations that despite so many complaints, only precautionary measures have been taken against those concerned, which has created frustration among the victims.

In this regard, Ramech's Assistant Director (Administration) Dr. Md. Abu Taleb said, "The director supervises the overall affairs of the hospital. He asked to contact him for details." Deputy Director Dr. Attempts were made to contact Hasanul Habib, but he could not be reached. When contacted, accused PA SM Rashidul Salekin Suman did not answer the phone. Those concerned claim that the quality of hospital services is being affected due to this long-running syndicate and ordinary patients and job seekers are constantly being harassed.When Brigadier General PKM Masud-ul Islam, Director of Rajshahi Medical (College) Ramech Hospital, was called on his mobile phone, he did not answer. As a result, his statement could not be obtained.

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