As Dr Jesmin Ara, a prime suspect of the much-talked-about murder case of Dr Shamarukh Mahjabin, is one of the central committee leaders of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), the organisation is not taking up any protest programme.
Quoting BMA President Dr Iqbal Arslan, Shamarukh’s father Nurul Islam made the claim at a press conference held at the Jessore Press Club yesterday.
“Even when a bird dies, other members of that species flock together and show some gesture of mourn. But Bangladesh Medical Association did not take any activity following the death of my daughter which is very shocking,” he said.
“When I asked BMA President Dr Iqbal Arslan why his organisaton was silent when different organisations both at home and abroad where condemning the murder, he said Tipu Sultan’s wife Dr Jesmin was a central leader of BMA. Any activity taken would go against her, therefore, nothing could be done,” said Shamarukh’s father.
However, Dr Arslan said BMA would discuss the matter in its next central committee meeting to be held tomorrow, he added.
On November 13, Shamarukh was found hanging in her Dhanmondi residence in the capital and doctors declared her dead after she was taken to hospital.
Shamarukh’s father-in-law Tipu Sultan is the former lawmaker of Jessore 5 constituency and the vice-president of Jessore district unit of Awami League.
The deceased’s father, a retired PWD engineer, filed a murder case against Shamarukh’s husband Humayun and implicated his parents, Tipu Sultan and Jesmin Ara.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had expressed deep shock at the death of Dr Shamarukh and assured of providing all sorts of assistance regarding the investigation in the case, Nurul said referring his visit with the premier on December 15.
“The Prime Minister asked me why I had married off Shamarukh into Tipu Sultan’s family and why Shamarukh did not leave that house despite facing torture.
“She also inquired over the second autopsy report,” said Nurul Islam.
The report of Shamarukh’s first autopsy done at the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital suggested that Shamarukh had committed suicide.
Rejecting the report, Nurul Islam claimed that the Tipu Sultan and his wife had “influenced” the findings.
Regarding the second autopsy that is currently under process in the country’s three different hospitals, he said: “All doctors are not alike. The doctors in Jessore would deliver the correct report I hope.”
Former president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Habiba Shefa said Shamarukh did not go through any event that could lead her to attempt suicide. She called for prompt and fair trial.
Shamarukh’s teacher, former principal of BAF Shaheen College Mokbul Hossain was present at the press conference among others.