Bagerhat, Feb 16, (V7N) - In Bagerhat's Morelganj, the Officer-in-Charge (acting) of the Family Planning Office, Dr. Md. Hasan Tarek, has been running the office according to his own will for over two years. Following complaints of misconduct and mistreatment from Family Planning Assistant Shamim Ara, senior officials have dispatched an investigation team to look into the allegations. However, the accused officer has reportedly started efforts to suppress the issue.
 
To divert attention from the real incident, Dr. Hasan Tarek held an emergency meeting at his office on Friday, February 14 (when the office was closed), involving Family Planning Inspectors (FPI). The meeting aimed to organize field staff, incite them against Shamim Ara, and undermine the complainant, according to Shamim Ara's allegations.
 
According to the complainant, Shamim Ara, she has been working at the Family Planning Center of Morelganj Sadar Union since 1990. She took medical leave from January 8 due to illness and visited a local clinic. As her condition worsened, she requested additional leave, which Dr. Hasan Tarek was notified about through messages with medical documents. However, Dr. Tarek summoned her to his office, where he allegedly verbally abused and humiliated her. Shamim Ara was emotionally distressed and fell down the stairs on her way out, severely injuring her spine. She is currently undergoing treatment in Dhaka.
 
Following the incident, Shamim Ara’s husband, Md. Mizanur Rahman, filed two separate complaints with the Directorate General of Family Planning and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), demanding justice for his wife.
 
Since 2021, the position of Family Planning Officer in the upazila has been vacant, severely impacting the family planning activities in the 16 unions and 1 municipality of the area. Local residents have expressed concerns about the closure of Union Family Planning Centers, which has hampered maternal and child health services.
 
When contacted multiple times, Dr. Hasan Tarek did not respond to calls. Shamim Ara and her husband expressed concerns that an investigation during his tenure may not be impartial, given his position.
 
END/MPS/SMA/