Regent Hospital scam: ACC sues five including Shahed, ex-DGHS director Aminul

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against Regent Hospital Chairman Shahed Karim, former Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) director (Hospitals) Aminul Hasan and three others in the much-talked-about Regent Hospital scam.

ACC Deputy Director Farid Ahmed Patwary filed the case on Wednesday following approval by the commission.

The other accused in the case are DGHS Deputy Director (Hospitals) Yunus Ali, Assistant Director Dr Shafiur Rahman and Research Officer Dr Didarul Islam.

Confirming the matter to the media, ACC Secretary Md Dilwar Bakth said the case was filed after finding credible evidence against them during the enquiry.

However, former DGHS director general Professor Dr Abul Kalam Azad, who resigned after facing a torrent of criticism from all corners over the scam, was not included in the case.

Regarding this, the ACC secretary said, "The case was filed against five people as the enquiry team found direct evidence against them."

"I would like to say this is not final. If, during the investigation of the case, we find that other people are involved, they will be included in the charge-sheet," he added.

"I would like to say this is not final. If, during the investigation of the case, we find that other people are involved, they will be included in the charge-sheet," said Md Dilwar Bakth, secretary of Anti-Corruption Commission

According to the case file, allegations against the five accused include – abusing power to transform Regent Hospital into a Covid-19 hospital, signing memorandum of understanding with the hospital and giving it permission to test the samples at a government lab, embezzling Tk1.37 crore by taking testing fees from patients, and for attempting to realise monthly Tk1.96 crore as food allowance of doctors, nurses and other officials of Regent Hospital.  

On July 15, the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) detained Shahed from an area near the border in Satkhira on various charges of fraud during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

It became a hot topic after law enforcing agencies unearthed extensive corruption in Regent Hospital.

Later on July 21, Professor Dr Abul Kalam Azad resigned as DGHS director general amid criticism over his role, and Aminul Hasan was removed from the office of the DGHS director (Hospitals and Clinics) the following day over various irregularities in the health department in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ACC is investigating Shahed over allegations of embezzlement of government funds through fraud and deception, income tax evasion, embezzlement of crores of taka by taking bank loans in fake names and identities.

The anti-graft body has already filed two separate cases against Shahed and few others for embezzling Tk1.5 crore from NRB Bank and Tk1 crore from Farmers Bank in the name of Regent Hospital.