The Sikder Women’s Medical College and Hospital authority suspended one of its doctors, Shafiul Azam, yesterday, for allegedly assaulting a journalist of the Bangla daily, Prothom Alo.
Major General (retd) Bijoy Kumar, principal of the college, confirmed the news and told the Dhaka Tribune that a three-member probe body, headed by a professor, has been formed to investigate the allegations of assault.
The hospital will not support any illegal activity by any individual, Bijoy said, adding that the probe committee will also investigate claims about Dr Azam’s misrepresentation of his designation.
Shishir Morol, a special correspondent of the national daily, was allegedly confined and beaten up by Dr Azam and his associates on Tuesday when he went to the hospital to investigate allegations that the doctor had been misrepresenting his designation to the patients.
Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) also submitted a letter to the principal of the medical college, asking for explanations from the college and from Dr Azam regarding Tuesday’s incident.
Zahedul Haque Bosunia, registrar of the BMDC, told the Dhaka Tribune that they have called an emergency meeting of the central executive committee and the disciplinary committee of the BMDC to discuss Tuesday’s incident.
He said the principal has been directed to respond to the letter by Thursday morning, adding that they have also sought details about the accused doctor.
Despite repeated attempts, Dr Azam could not be reached for comments, as his phone has been turned off.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Health Reporters’ Forum (BHRF) met with the state minister for health, Zahed Maleque, yesterday, and submitted a five-point memorandum which included demands for the arrest of the accused doctor and his associates, the formation of a law to end doctors’ strikes, and the withdrawal of the restriction of reporters from entering hospitals.
Speaking about Tuesday’s incident, the state minister said such an attack was unexpected, and that necessary measures will be taken in accordance with the law.
Earlier in the day, the BHRF also formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club, demanding the arrest of the attackers within 48 hours.
Presided by BHRF President Toufiq Maruf, the programme was addressed by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) President Shahed Chowdhury, DRU Secretary General Elias Khan, National Press Club Secretary Abdal Ahmed, Prothom Alo’s Chief Reporter Sharifuzzaman Pintu, former president of the BHRF Moniruzzaman Uzzal, incumbent BHRF General Secretary Badruduzza Sumon and the BHRF Vice-President Nurul Islam Hasib.
