Dr SM Moniruzzaman Shahin, the newly appointed civil surgeon of Barishal and a Swachip leader, has been transferred to the Directorate General of Health Services following student protests, according to a report published on August 2. A Health and Family Welfare Ministry notification instructed him to join his transferred workplace by August 3 or face immediate release from his current post.

The transfer order reached Barishal on Sunday afternoon, and the report said protesters expressed relief. Students from various educational institutions began demonstrations against the appointment on Sunday morning under the banner of conscious citizens, students and the general public of Barishal. They locked a room at the district civil surgeon’s office and staged a sit-in, leaving the office at a standstill.

Protesters alleged that a controversial and punished official had been assigned as civil surgeon. The report cited allegations against Moniruzzaman of using political influence, irregularities in duties and examinations, and misuse of administrative authority while serving at Gournadi উপজেলা Health Complex. He had been posted as Barishal civil surgeon under a July 21 notification. Local BNP leaders were also reported to have expressed anger over the appointment.