Dr Raihan Sharif, a lecturer of the Community Medicine department at Shaheed M Mansur Ali Medical College and Hospital in Sirajganj has been suspended over shooting a student inside a classroom.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a gazette notification in this regard today. Amirul Hasan Chowdhury, principal of the medical college, has confirmed the suspension of Rayhan, a lecturer (community medicine) of the college.
He said, "We have received the copy of his [Rayhan's] suspension order issued by the ministry today."
Earlier, on Tuesday a Sirajganj court ordered the imprisonment of Dr Raihan.
The incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation, led to the formation of a three-member investigation committee by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The committee visited the medical college on Tuesday to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
In response to the grave incident, students of Shaheed M Mansur Ali Medical College and Hospital organised a protest on the Sirajganj-Bogura-4 lane highway, demanding the immediate dismissal and severe punishment of Dr. Raihan. Their demands extend to the Prime Minister’s intervention for the revocation of the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) registration and the permanent removal of the accused from his teaching position. The students eventually suspended their protest after receiving assurances from the DGHS investigative team.
Arafat Amin Tomal, 23, a third-year student and victim of the shooting, is currently receiving medical care. The incident took place on Monday afternoon during a class, resulting in Tomal’s hospitalisation. Dr. Raihan was arrested at the scene, and his firearm was confiscated by the police.
Md Sirajul Islam, the officer-in-charge of the local police station, revealed that Dr. Raihan Sharif was known for carrying weapons and knives, which he would openly display during lectures. Sharif reportedly threatened students with these weapons whenever they objected to their presence in the classroom.