Health Worker Absent for 18 Months, Still Receiving Salary

At the Moolbari Community Clinic in Sonatala, Bogura, Health Care Provider (CHCP) Md. Rafiqul Bari has been absent for the past one and a half years. As a result, the marginalized population in the area has been deprived of essential healthcare services.

Despite his prolonged absence, allegations have emerged that Rafiqul continues to collect his regular salary.

Local residents, including elderly villagers Saiful Islam, Abdur Rashid, and Shahjahan Ali, said that Rafiqul has not visited the clinic for the last 18 months. Hundreds of men and women from the community come daily seeking services but return empty-handed. While people near other union clinics receive care, they remain deprived.

Other residents, Mahfuzar Rahman Banu, Ripon Islam, Hajera Bewa, and Rahima Begum, said they have repeatedly lodged complaints with the Upazila Health Inspector and the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, but no action has been taken. They expressed frustration over the authorities’ inaction and demanded that higher officials take swift legal measures against Rafiqul to ensure the community receives proper healthcare.

Aminul Islam, a member of Ward No. 3 in Digdair Union, noted that the Moolbari Community Clinic has been non-functional since before the fall of the Awami League government. Poor residents of the area are not receiving services. He claimed that despite this, Rafiqul is still reportedly drawing his salary. He stressed that the priority should be to reopen the clinic as soon as possible.

Repeated calls to Rafiqul Bari’s mobile phone went unanswered.

Upazila Health Inspector Md. Hasibur Rahman Hasib confirmed that Rafiqul has been absent from his workplace and said he has informed the Upazila Health Officer in writing, who will take necessary measures.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Sharmin Kabiraj said she is aware of Rafiqul Bari’s absence and ongoing salary collection. She added that she has notified him both verbally and in writing and that a final decision will soon be made regarding his case.

— Khaborwala / MZ