Jatiya Sangsad whip and lawmaker from Patiya upazila Shamsul Haque Chowdhury has launched vaccination programme in Shovandandi union eight days prior to the scheduled date unlawfully.

He resorted to indiscriminate vaccination in his area at Shovandandi union of Patiya upazila in Chattogram through abuse of power. It may be mentioned that Shamsul Haque Chowdhury hails from Shovandandi union.

Patiya Upazila Health Complex Medical Technologist (EPI) Rabiul Hossain conducted the vaccination activities at the behest of whip Shamsul Haque. The Divisional Director's Office of Department of Health Services has formed a three-member probe body in this regard.

Rabiul Hossain admitted that he acted as per directive of whip Shamsul Haque. But Whip says he's not involved in the programme.

Before entering the government service, Rabiul was the joint secretary of Patiya College Chhatra League. In 2012, he joined the health department. Rabiul claimed to have been running vaccination activities from Friday (July 30) under the verbal direction of whip Shamsul Haque Chowdhury.

It is known that around 2,000 people were vaccinated in two days till Saturday. However, vaccination programme in union level is supposed to begin on August 7.

None of Upazila Health & Family Planning Officer (UH&FPO), Civil Surgeon and Divisional Health Director was knowledgeable about early vaccination programme at Shovandandi Union.

Dr. Hasan Shahriar Kabir, Director (Health) of Chattogram Division, said Rabiul cannot conduct vaccination programme like this without anyone's instructions.

“Vaccination at the union level will officially start on August 7. It is not appropriate to vaccinate unregistered people. The matter is being investigated and report will be submitted within two working days,” he said.

Ajay Das, a senior consultant at the General Hospital, has been made the head of the probe body. Two members are Deputy Civil Surgeon Mohammad Asif Khan and medical officer of the Civil Surgeon's Office Nurul Haider.

It is learnt that vaccination programme was carried out at Arfa-karim High School in Shovandandi Union on Friday and Shovandandi School and College on Saturday.

BDST: 1857 HRS, AUG 01, 2021
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