Forest Officer Kabir Suspended Over 17-Marriage Controversy

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has temporarily suspended Barishal Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Md. Kabir Hossain Patwary in connection with the controversial 17-marriage case. On Tuesday afternoon (16 September), he was relieved of his duties and ordered to be attached to the Rangpur Range.

Simultaneously, Dr. Mohammad Zahidur Rahman Miah, Divisional Forest Officer (Deputy Conservator of Forests) of Patuakhali, has been appointed as the acting DFO of the Barishal Division.

Mihir Kumar Do, Conservator of Forests of the coastal region in Barishal Division, confirmed the development, stating that he received an official email from the ministry regarding the matter on Tuesday evening.

Earlier, Kabir Hossain Patwary faced allegations of marrying 17 women through deceit, luring them with promises of studying abroad, government jobs, becoming cabin crew, or acquiring property. Following these allegations, the families of the victims and members of civil society held a human chain protest in Barishal on Thursday (11 September), claiming that 17 women from various districts were defrauded.

On Tuesday afternoon, Public Prosecutor Advocate Hafiz Ahmed Bablu filed a case regarding the matter at the Barishal court. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Sadik Ahmed of Barishal took cognisance of the case and directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to submit an investigation report.

The complainant, Advocate Hafiz Ahmed Bablu, stated that he filed the case suo motu based on reports published in various newspapers. He alleged that Kabir Hossain Patwary concealed information about his first marriage and subsequently conducted 17 marriages, thereby violating religious values, social norms, and the law.

Repeated attempts to contact the accused forest officer Kabir Hossain Patwary by phone were unsuccessful, as his mobile remained switched off, leaving his comments unavailable.

Case Overview: 17-Marriage Controversy

This case has drawn significant public attention due to its scale and the involvement of a senior government official, raising concerns about ethical standards and accountability in public service.