Bangla Press Desk: Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in 2024, political debate continues over the performance of the interim administration formed under the leadership of Dr Muhammad Yunus.
During this period, the management of the health sector came under intense scrutiny. Stakeholders allege that the decisions, competence and overall management of Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum raised serious concerns, with accusations of arbitrariness and irregularities surfacingThe former health adviser was a development professional whose long career was spent at Grameen Bank. There, she was involved in grassroots programmes focused on women’s empowerment, poverty alleviation and organisational management. Although she had experience in development administration, she lacked direct professional involvement in clinical medicine, public health, or hospital management—an issue that later became a focal point of criticism.
Sources within the sector claim that, during her tenure, the country’s public health system was effectively paralysed. Decision-making was reportedly arbitrary, with an informal network of close associates operating as a syndicate behind the scenes.Several officials of the Directorate General of Health Services, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the adviser failed to acquire the necessary understanding of the health sector even after a prolonged period in office. They alleged that expert advice was routinely ignored and that the entire ministry functioned under unilateral decision-making.
AZM Zahid Hossain—a former secretary general of a pro-BNP doctors’ body and now Minister for Women and Children Affairs—also reportedly failed in repeated attempts to offer guidance. Speaking on Monday, he said that those appointed by Professor Yunus had not performed their duties effectively. He added that a review of the interim government’s preparedness against measles would reveal the true causes behind the outbreak.
Earlier, he had remarked that the health system had been “destroyed” over 17 years and that remnants of the Awami League remained entrenched throughout the system. He stressed that restoring discipline in the sector would be impossible without removing those involved in corruption.
Officials further alleged that Nurjahan Begum, being a relative of Professor Yunus, effectively operated without accountability. Her communication with ministry officials was limited, and key decisions were taken unilaterally.
Transfer Trade: Hefty Payments for Preferred Postings
During her tenure, a syndicate allegedly developed within the ministry. Key figures reportedly included her private secretary (Joint Secretary) Dr Mohammad Manjurul Islam, who was said to play a central role in financial dealings, and APS Tuhin Farabi, who allegedly acted as an intermediary in transfers and procurement. Dr Mahamuda Mitu, a central joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party, was also reportedly involved in procurement and related processes.Several officials of the Directorate General of Health Services, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the adviser failed to acquire the necessary understanding of the health sector even after a prolonged period in office. They alleged that expert advice was routinely ignored and that the entire ministry functioned under unilateral decision-making.
AZM Zahid Hossain—a former secretary general of a pro-BNP doctors’ body and now Minister for Women and Children Affairs—also reportedly failed in repeated attempts to offer guidance. Speaking on Monday, he said that those appointed by Professor Yunus had not performed their duties effectively. He added that a review of the interim government’s preparedness against measles would reveal the true causes behind the outbreak.
Earlier, he had remarked that the health system had been “destroyed” over 17 years and that remnants of the Awami League remained entrenched throughout the system. He stressed that restoring discipline in the sector would be impossible without removing those involved in corruption.
Officials further alleged that Nurjahan Begum, being a relative of Professor Yunus, effectively operated without accountability. Her communication with ministry officials was limited, and key decisions were taken unilaterally.
Transfer Trade: Hefty Payments for Preferred Postings
During her tenure, a syndicate allegedly developed within the ministry. Key figures reportedly included her private secretary (Joint Secretary) Dr Mohammad Manjurul Islam, who was said to play a central role in financial dealings, and APS Tuhin Farabi, who allegedly acted as an intermediary in transfers and procurement. Dr Mahamuda Mitu, a central joint member secretary of the National Citizen Party, was also reportedly involved in procurement and related processes.Multiple health officials further alleged that the adviser’s husband and son were directly involved in corrupt activities. Her husband, Khandakar Asaduzzaman—former managing director of Social Islami Bank—was accused of influencing recruitment processes, while her son, Antu, allegedly handled client liaison and networking.
Both were also said to have links with the Bangladesh Awami League and its student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, reinforcing perceptions of a “family-centred power structure”. Officials claimed that speaking out against these practices often led to threats of transfer or disciplinary action.
One physician, requesting anonymity, said that during the interim government period, experienced doctors and healthcare workers were transferred en masse from Dhaka to other regions, severely disrupting emergency services in the capital.
Two Former Aides under Anti-Corruption Scrutiny
The Anti-Corruption Commission issued notices seeking asset statements from two former officials of the health adviser’s office—Tuhin Farabi and Mahmudul Hasan. Allegations included misuse of government allocations, irregularities in recruitment, and procurement-related corruption.
Tuhin Farabi has been accused of amassing illicit wealth worth hundreds of crores of taka through abuse of power and influence-peddling. He was asked to submit identification documents, passports, updated tax records, and bank statements for himself and his family.
Similarly, Dr Mahmudul Hasan faces allegations of accumulating substantial illegal assets through abuse of authority and tender manipulation. He was also instructed to provide detailed financial and identification records.On 27 May, Judge Md Zakir Hossain Galib of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court ordered travel bans on both individuals and the blocking of their national identity cards.
Hasnat Demanded Resignation
Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the National Citizen Party, had publicly called for Nurjahan Begum’s resignation at a rally in Chandpur bus stand area last year. He criticised her, claiming she “did not understand” healthcare or medical systems.
He further said that despite high expectations following the uprising, the state apparatus—including healthcare and law enforcement—remained unchanged. He alleged that her appointment reflected nepotism linked to Professor Yunus and described her as an unnecessary figure in the government.
Vaccine Shortage for Up to 10 Diseases, Including Measles
In August 2025, during the interim administration, the Ministry of Health reportedly scrapped the Operational Plan (OP) system under the Fourth Sector Programme (Health, Population and Nutrition) without adequate preparation. This led to a severe shortage of vaccines for 8–10 diseases, including measles.
As a result, the immunisation rate fell to 57.1 per cent in 2025—the lowest in eight years. The country has since witnessed a resurgence of measles and a rise in child mortality.Public health experts noted that, under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), vaccine procurement and distribution were previously conducted efficiently with support from UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance through line directors. However, delays in preparing new project documents, approvals, appointments and fund releases disrupted the entire procurement process.
Dr Mozaherul Haque, former senior adviser to the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Regional Office, told Kaler Kantho that the interim government and its health division must bear responsibility for the current measles situation. He called for a proper investigation into the failure to protect children and ensure timely vaccination, adding that those responsible should be held accountable.
Repeated attempts to obtain comments from former Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, her special assistant Professor Saidur Rahman, and Mahamuda Mitu were unsuccessful. They did not respond to calls or messages.
Source: Kaler Kantho
