Unable to join as DGHS DG in the face of protests, Dr Robed Amin goes on indefinite leave

Since being relieved of his appointment as director general (DG) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Robed Amin has not been coming to the workplace.

On 18 August, Dr Amin, a professor of medicine at Dhaka Medical College, was appointed as DGHS DG - the country's top public health post.

He was unable however to take up the posting in the face of protests by the officials at the DGHS premises in Mohakhali, who never allowed him to enter his would-be office.

According to DGHS sources, he had gone to the health ministry a number of times, hoping for some resolution from there that could perhaps allow him to join his workplace. However, he was not allowed to enter.

Eventually, on 12 September, the post was given to someone else by the health authorities. Since then, citing illness, Dr Amin has taken leave.

Contacted regarding this matter, Dr Amin told UNB, "I go to the ministry. But I couldn't go to the DGHS."

Asked if he was indeed denied entry, he refused to give a straight answer, saying, "I just do my job. I haven't had such a direct conversation with anyone."

He further mentioned that Dr Nazmul Hasan has been appointed DGHS DG.

"I have taken leave for an indefinite period due to illness. On the day he (Nazmul) was given the responsibility, I submitted my leave application. No decision has yet been made about giving me any position," Dr Amin said.

It is worth mentioning that on 12 September, in the face of demands from health workers, Prof Robed Amin was relieved of his appointment as DG of the DGHS.

At the same time, Dr Nazmul Hossain, DG of the Directorate General of Medical Education, was given the additional responsibility of DGHS DG, in an office order from the Health Services Division.