Md. Shahed, even a few days ago who treaded in the Health Ministry and the Health Directorate; in the course of time now that Shahed seems to be unknown to everyone! Not only Shahed is unfamiliar, but no one is willing to take responsibility for Regent Hospital which contracted with the ministry to treat corona.
The health ministry said they have no responsibility for Shahed’s mischievous activities. No one is willing to talk about why there is no liability even after the Directorate of Health's agreement with Regent. Analysts say that non-accountability despite the direct involvement of any individual or organization in such cases further encourages corruption and irregularities.
The Regent Group's head office and two branches of the Regent Hospital in Uttara and Mirpur in the capital were sealed off on July 6 on charges of fraudulent coronavirus testing and fraud. Later that night, RAB filed a case against Shahed and 17 others of Regent Hospital and Regent Group at Uttara West Police Station. There have been 33 cases against him on various charges. Nine people have been arrested in the incident. And the law enforcer is looking for main culprit Shahed. He has been banned from leaving the country.
It is learned that the license of Regent Hospital expired in 2014. But the hospital was giving treatment without renewal. The Department of Health even signed an agreement with Regent Hospital on March 21 without having any valid license. Health Minister Zahid Malek, then Secretary of Health Services Asadul Islam, Director General of Health Abul Kalam Azad and other senior officials were present.
Asked whether the ministry could avoid liability for a contract with such an unauthorized hospital in the presence of senior officials, including the minister, Health Services Secretary Abdul Mannan told Barta24.com, ‘there is nothing to speak about or take the liability.’
Though an attempt was made to contact the Director General of the Health Abul Kalam Azad to know about this, he did not receive the phone or reply to the sms.
Meanwhile, the ministry has sent a letter to the health directorate seeking an explanation for signing the contract with the Regent even after not renewing the license. Ayesha Akhter, assistant director of the directorate told Barta24.com that a committee has been formed in this regard. The committee will make a report after investigation. Then we will send it to the ministry.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman told barta24.com that neither the ministry nor thr directorate could evade responsibility of the flaws regarding Shahed issue. There is no reason to permission to a hospital to give corona treatment without any enquiry. Shahed did nothing alone. Government officials were also involved. Of course there was their complicity in the process. How do you deal with them even after the license expires in 2014? Now not accepting responsibility for that is also helpful for corruption and irregularities.
Citizens for Good Governance (Sujan) Secretary Badiul Alam Majumder told Barta24.com that it was not acceptable not to take responsibility for the Shahed issue even after signing an agreement with the Regent. Is it the whim of the concerned authority? Those who are in charge have to take the responsibility. Because of course they have a responsibility.