IPH director who issued circular on ‘dress code’ made OSD

The director of the Institute of Public Health (IPH) Dr Abdur Rahim has been made officer on special duty (OSD) along with the director of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital on different allegations.

The decision was announced in a circular from the health services division of the ministry today, on the third working day after the health ministry issued a show-cause notice to Dr Abdur Rahim asking explanation about his order to all IPH staffers to adhere to specific dress code.

Last Wednesday, Dr Abdur Rahim issued a circular asking Muslim women employees to wear hijab and to make sure that their clothes cover their ankles.

After widespread criticism on social media and a show-cause notice from the health ministry, he withdrew the order.

He has been attached with the directorate general of health services (DGHS) while Dr Tanvir Ahmed Chowdhury -- officer on special duty at the DGHS -- has been appointed in his position.

Meanwhile, Prof Dr Uttam Kumar Barua has also been attached with the DGHS as an officer on special duty after removal from his post.

He was accused of financial corruption in the procurement of medical equipment for the hospital on October 29.

Dr AKM Mamun Morshed, deputy director of the hospital has been appointed as the director of Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital temporarily.

Read more: Under fire, IPH scraps dress code circular