DHAKA: The posting of a government employee to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), widely known as the National Orthopedic Hospital or “Pongu Hospital,” has triggered controversy within Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). the matter.
According to multiple officials familiar with the dispute centers on Md. Solaiman, a Computer Operator from Noakhali Medical College, who was first transferred to NITOR in the same capacity before being assigned the responsibilities of an Administrative Officer through a separate order issued by the Ministry of Health.
Officials and documents reviewed by this correspondent suggest that the sequence of orders has raised questions about whether established government transfer rules and recruitment regulations were followed.
According to official records, the DGHS on April 29, 2026 transferred Md. Solaiman from Noakhali Medical College to NITOR as a Computer Operator. The transfer order was signed by Prof. Dr. Jalal Uddin Mohammad Rumi, Director (Administration) of the DGHS.
However, on May 6, 2026 the Ministry’s Administration-1 Branch issued another office order assigning Solaiman to NITOR as an Administrative Officer (retaining his existing pay). The order was signed by Deputy Secretary Sujit Debnath.
Several ministry and DGHS officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, alleged that the ministry’s decision departed from established administrative practice.
According to the officials, transfers of officers below Grade 5 are generally handled by the DGHS, while the ministry normally intervenes only under exceptional circumstances, such as implementing disciplinary decisions or other special administrative measures.
Officials further alleged that Bangladesh’s recruitment rules do not permit a Computer Operator to be posted as an Administrative Officer. Under existing service rules, a Computer Operator may be assigned certain information technology-related responsibilities, but not an administrative management position, they said.
Multiple sources alleged that Health Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury personally pushed for Solaiman’s posting as Administrative Officer despite objections from officials within both the ministry and the DGHS.
According to the sources, ministry officials initially refused to issue the order, arguing that it lacked legal and procedural grounds. They alleged that pressure continued for several days before the order was ultimately signed.
The officials also alleged that a former Union Parishad chairman from Begumganj Upazila in Noakhali—who reportedly introduced himself as the Health Secretary’s younger brother—visited the ministry, the DGHS and NITOR in support of Solaiman’s posting. The sources claimed he attempted to influence officials and behaved aggressively during the process. Although the allegations could not be independently verified.
Hospital officials also reportedly questioned the legality of accepting Solaiman’s joining as Administrative Officer because the DGHS had already transferred him to the institution as a Computer Operator. According to officials familiar with the matter, NITOR authorities eventually accepted his joining after receiving instructions from higher authorities.
Separate Allegations Over Government Housing
Meanwhile, Solaiman is also facing separate allegations concerning the occupation of a government residence in Mohammadpur, Dhaka.
According to documents from the Government Housing Directorate, a government Class-D residence on Zakir Hossain Road was reallocated to Md. Omar Faruk on January 25, 2026, while Solaiman’s earlier allocation was cancelled.
Officials said Solaiman had been transferred to Noakhali Medical College in July 2025 and, under government housing rules, was required to vacate the residence within two months. However, they allege that he continues to occupy the property.
Records further show that Omar Faruk formally applied to take possession of the residence on January 28. On April 5, the Housing Directorate instructed the relevant authorities to disconnect water, gas and electricity services to facilitate eviction. Subsequently, on April 15, the Public Works Department sent letters to WASA, Titas Gas and DPDC requesting implementation of the order.
Officials also alleged that Solaiman declared in the government’s Human Resource Information System (HRIS) that he was not residing in government accommodation, while continuing to occupy the residence. Additional allegations include renting out part of the property to outsiders and failing to pay government house rent since July 2025, actions that would constitute violations of the Government Housing Rules, 1982, if proven.
A journalist who sought Solaiman’s comments regarding the housing allegations also alleged that he was subjected to intimidation.
This correspondent was unable to obtain comments from Md. Solaiman, Health Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, NITOR authorities, or the former Union Parishad chairman regarding the allegations despite attempts to contact them. Their responses will be published if and when they are received.
End/07-07-26/
