BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called on the opposition parties to come up with alternative plans and recommendations to help resolve the country’s ongoing gas and electricity crisis, instead of limiting themselves to political programmes and criticism of the government.

“In a democratic system, opposition parties will have their programmes and will criticise the government—that is not a problem. But they should not only announce programmes; they should also offer alternative plans and suggestions to address the country’s crises,” Rizvi said.

“You may organise long marches or other programmes over gas and electricity shortages—that is fine. But tell us what the alternative is. How will we supply gas and electricity? Where will we get them from and how will we procure them? Give us a plan outlining what steps can be taken to overcome the crisis,” he added.

Rizvi made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the induction ceremony of the newly elected executive committee of the Bangladesh Dance Artists Association at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday (September 4).

He said opposition lawmakers have the opportunity to speak in Parliament and criticise the government, while opposition parties can also organise various programmes outside Parliament. Such activities, he said, are part of the normal practice of democracy.

“However, alongside criticism, there should also be suggestions on how the government can address the crisis,” Rizvi said.

“We are hearing only about programmes by the opposition. Opposition programmes are part of democracy. But if we simply repeat the practices of the past, we will once again return to the culture of the past. That will only deepen the darkness,” he said.

Global factors behind energy crisis
Speaking about the gas and electricity crisis, Rizvi said the current situation is also linked to the global war and disruptions in the energy supply system.

He particularly pointed to difficulties in importing the necessary fuel due to disruptions to energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz.

“This has not happened because of any action by the government itself. There is a global war going on. The United States and Iran are at war—is the Bangladeshi government responsible for that? No, it is not,” he said.

Rizvi said the fuel crisis is creating difficulties in operating power plants, maintaining production in factories and ensuring the supply of fuel needed for cooking in households.

“In this situation, we need a realistic alternative plan to deal with the crisis,” he said.

“I do not think it is right to create a planned paralysis. Rather, we need to provide plans on how this crisis can be overcome,” Rizvi added.

Rizvi highlights role of dance and culture
Speaking about dance, Rizvi said he does not consider himself an expert on the subject. However, he said dance performed alongside music and musical instruments creates an enjoyable experience and helps purify the human mind.

He described dance as a fine art in which emotions, feelings and imagery are expressed through bodily movements in rhythm with music and instruments.

“Dance has evolved in different forms in various countries around the world over the centuries. Bangladesh, too, has a rich folk and cultural heritage,” he said.

Rizvi said that, alongside classical, folk and modern dance, traditional forms such as leto performances, kabigan, ghumura and Baul culture also combine music, acting and bodily expression.

“We have to preserve these traditions and allow our culture to develop with time,” he said.

He described dance as a powerful medium of culture, saying music and dance can generate enthusiasm among people and, at times, strengthen major movements.

Referring to various cultural performances during the July Movement, Rizvi said songs and dances helped create enthusiasm among the people and strengthened the momentum of the movement.

“When ‘Karar Oi Louho Kopat’ is performed with dance, it creates a sense of inspiration among people. It gives them the courage to overcome any obstacles or barricades in front of them,” he said.

Call to preserve positive traditions
Rizvi called for preserving the positive aspects of Bangladesh’s folk traditions while rejecting inhumane and discriminatory practices that may exist in the name of tradition.

Referring to the practice of sati, he said many inhumane customs existed in the past and were sometimes promoted through songs and other cultural forms.

“We have to move away from such inhuman practices and use culture to spread messages of women’s education and empowerment,” he said.

“Good elements of our traditions should not be discarded. We only need to remove the darker aspects,” Rizvi added.

He further said regular practice of art, music, dance and other forms of culture helps establish truth and beauty in society.

“Cultural practices can play a positive role in combating violence, intolerance and dark mindsets,” he said.

The programme was chaired by Bangladesh

Government hospitals across Bangladesh possess modern diagnostic and medical equipment worth thousands of crores of taka. From upazila health complexes to district hospitals, divisional medical college hospitals and specialised facilities, 513 government hospitals collectively have medical and diagnostic equipment worth an estimated Tk 70.92 billion. However, due to shortages of skilled personnel, poor management and non-functional equipment, most patients are unable to benefit fully from these costly resources.

Laboratory and diagnostic services at government hospitals generally operate from around 8:00am to 1:00pm. This means patients have access to these services for only about five hours a day. After that, many laboratories, sample collection counters and diagnostic units are closed and locked. As a result, patients requiring urgent tests are often forced to turn to private hospitals and diagnostic centres.

According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh has around 16,000 healthcare facilities. Of these, more than 600 hospitals under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Local Government have diagnostic facilities. Among them, 513 hospitals are under the Health Services Division.

Of these facilities, 426 upazila health complexes are equipped with services and equipment such as X-ray machines, electrocardiograms (ECGs), ultrasonography, urine analysers, pathology laboratories, operating theatres and blood banks. Each upazila hospital has an estimated average of Tk 20 million worth of medical equipment, meaning the total value of equipment at 426 such facilities stands at around Tk 8.52 billion.

Similarly, each of the 62 district hospitals has at least Tk 200 million worth of medical equipment. Collectively, these hospitals possess equipment worth approximately Tk 12.4 billion.

The eight divisional medical college hospitals are equipped with advanced facilities, including CT scanners, MRI machines, ventilators, intensive care units (ICUs), dialysis units, echocardiography and laparoscopic equipment. With an estimated Tk 2 billion worth of equipment at each hospital, the total value of equipment at these eight facilities is around Tk 16 billion.

In addition, 17 specialised hospitals focusing on cancer, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses and other conditions possess life-saving medical equipment worth an estimated Tk 34 billion.

Altogether, the 513 hospitals have medical and diagnostic equipment valued at approximately Tk 70.92 billion.

Despite this enormous investment, a significant portion of the equipment is not being used to its full capacity. A nine-month study conducted by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) at 22 government hospitals found that 52 percent of diagnostic equipment had not been used even once during the previous year. The proportion of patients receiving regular services had also fallen from 65 percent to just 25 percent.

The study revealed an even more concerning situation at the upazila level. X-ray services were unavailable at 101 of the 426 upazila health complexes, while ultrasonography was not available at 196 facilities. ECG services were also irregular at most upazila health complexes. Moreover, operating theatres at nearly two-thirds of upazila hospitals were reportedly non-functional.

One of the key reasons behind the crisis is the shortage of medical technologists. According to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, there should be three nurses and five medical technologists for every doctor. Based on this ratio, Bangladesh needs around 90,000 medical technologists. However, the country currently has far fewer than that number.

According to DGHS data, there are 6,406 approved posts for medical technologists in government hospitals, but only 3,892 are currently filled.

The shortage of personnel has made it particularly difficult to provide round-the-clock services. Healthcare professionals say that blood banks and emergency diagnostic units require continuous staffing, but the shortage of technologists places excessive pressure on the existing workforce. As a result, many services are forced to shut down after regular working hours.

The situation is also evident at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in the capital. Patients often stand in long queues in the morning to consult doctors, but many are unable to undergo necessary diagnostic tests later in the day. Consequently, people who initially seek treatment at government hospitals are frequently compelled to have their tests performed at private facilities.

The PPRC study found that around 75 percent of patients were being forced to visit private diagnostic centres because diagnostic services at government hospitals were unavailable outside limited hours. A test that may cost around Tk 200 at a government hospital can cost three to five times more at a private facility.

This situation is increasing the financial burden on low- and middle-income families. According to the Health Economics Unit, citizens pay approximately 79 percent of the country's total healthcare expenditure out of their own pockets. Data from the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) show that around 6.13 million people are pushed below the poverty line every year because of healthcare expenses.

Experts say that purchasing modern equipment alone cannot ensure quality healthcare. Hospitals must also have adequate skilled personnel and effective management systems to operate and maintain the equipment. In many cases, when a machine breaks down, lengthy administrative procedures delay repairs for years. Experts have therefore called for the recruitment of electro-medical technologists and the introduction of a faster and more efficient repair and maintenance system.

Professor Dr Rashid-i-Mahbub, former president of the Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), believes that hospitals should provide services around the clock, as is standard in most countries. In Bangladesh, however, government hospital services remain largely confined to a limited number of hours each day. He argues that changing this situation requires policy reform and modernisation of the administrative structure of the health sector at the state level.

The government has meanwhile announced plans to introduce a two-shift system at government hospitals to expand healthcare services. Health Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said the government is considering introducing a second shift from around 2:30pm until the afternoon or evening.

He said the initiative would require not only additional doctors, nurses and medical technologists but also more diagnostic machines and other essential medical equipment.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit has also acknowledged the shortage of medical personnel and said the government has taken initiatives to recruit doctors, nurses and medical technologists.

Experts believe that if the billions of taka worth of equipment already available at government hospitals can be used efficiently and regularly, a large number of patients could receive affordable diagnostic and treatment services. To achieve this, however, the government must go beyond purchasing new equipment and ensure adequate recruitment of skilled personnel, introduce round-the-clock services, establish a rapid repair and maintenance system, and strengthen accountability and management across the public healthcare sector.

Employees of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) sanitation department play a vital role in keeping the capital clean and livable. They are responsible for maintaining cleanliness on roads, streets, lanes and in various neighbourhoods across the city. Relevant officials and employees are assigned to supervise these activities at the field level.

However, serious allegations have been raised against Mrityunjay, a Sanitation Inspector (SI/Supervisor) working at the DNCC’s Zone-2 (Mirpur), Ward No. 7 office. The allegations include illegally collecting money from sanitation workers, showing absent employees as present in attendance records, and threatening workers with job loss.

According to allegations made by several sanitation workers, Mrityunjay joined the DNCC in 2023. The workers claim that he has since used his influence to establish control over employees under his supervision.

At present, around 64 sanitation workers are reportedly working under his supervision. His responsibilities include assigning workers to different areas and monitoring their attendance and performance in the field.

Allegations of Monthly Payments
Several sanitation workers allege that they are required to pay around Tk 2,000 per month in exchange for being allowed to remain absent from duty or take several days off each month without facing consequences.

According to the allegations, some workers make the payments in cash, while others allegedly send money through mobile financial services.

If the allegations are accurate, approximately Tk 108,000 could be collected every month from 64 workers.

The workers further allege that at least 10 employees who are not regularly performing their field duties are nevertheless being shown as present throughout the month in the attendance register.

10 Workers Allegedly Absent from Regular Duties
During the investigation, several workers claimed that at least 10 of the 64 sanitation employees do not regularly perform their assigned field duties.

The names mentioned in connection with the allegations include Karim, Firoz, Saju, Rafeza, Pinky, Gazi’s daughter, Robi and Shefali, along with two others.

According to the allegations, some of these employees stay in their respective villages, while others are allegedly involved in businesses in different parts of Dhaka. Despite this, several workers claim that they continue to be marked as present in the official attendance records.

During a two-month inquiry, some of the employees named in the allegations were reportedly found at their respective business establishments during the hours when they were scheduled to be performing sanitation duties.

The complainants further alleged that some of the employees who remain absent from duty pay approximately Tk 12,000 per month to SI Mrityunjay. If 10 workers are involved, the alleged amount would total around Tk 120,000 per month.

Alleged Payments for Substitute Duty
The allegations are not limited to unauthorised absence.

Workers also allege that when one employee arranges for another person to perform duty in their place, approximately Tk 3,000 per month is allegedly collected for such substitute or replacement duty.

Several sanitation workers spoke to the reporter on condition of anonymity, citing concerns about possible retaliation. Based on their statements, an investigation was conducted into the allegations.

During the inquiry, some of the employees mentioned by the complainants were reportedly found at their business establishments during their scheduled duty hours.

Mrityunjay Denies the Allegations
When the reporter visited the office of SI Mrityunjay to obtain his response to the allegations, he directed the reporter to sit in the office of Deputy Manager Md. Benazir Ahmed.

When the allegations were raised there, Deputy Manager Md. Benazir Ahmed responded on Mrityunjay’s behalf.

Later, Mrityunjay himself denied the allegations, claiming that around 80 percent of the accusations against him were false and that an attempt was being made to implicate him as part of a conspiracy.

When questioned about video footage and other information reportedly available to the reporter, Mrityunjay appeared uncomfortable, according to the reporter’s account.

It was also alleged that there were attempts to settle the matter financially and discourage publication of a report concerning the allegations of corruption against him.

Alleged Threats Against Workers
Several sanitation workers also alleged that those who speak against Mrityunjay or provide information to journalists are threatened with losing their jobs.

According to the allegations, Mrityunjay told workers that he would find out how journalists had obtained the information and would identify the person who provided it, after which action would be taken to remove that individual from their job.

If proven true, such allegations would raise serious questions not only about pressure on sanitation workers but also about accountability and supervision within the city corporation’s field-level sanitation management.

Independent Investigation Needed
The allegations against an official responsible for supervising sanitation activities in an important ward of Mirpur warrant an impartial investigation, according to concerned individuals.

To establish the facts, the DNCC authorities could examine attendance registers, duty rosters, leave approvals, substitute-duty records and other relevant documents. Field-level attendance could also be independently verified.

Where legally and proced

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating allegations against Sheikh Mohammad Omar Faruk, former Director General of the Audit Directorate of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), over the alleged misappropriation of nearly Tk 420 million that was reportedly not deposited into the government treasury.

The ACC is also looking into allegations that Omar Faruk acquired assets beyond his known sources of income, accepted bribes and misappropriated money in the name of settling various audit objections.

To verify the financial aspects of the allegations, ACC Deputy Director Khairul Haque has sent letters to 61 banks and financial institutions seeking information on Omar Faruk’s financial transactions.

The commission has also sought information from relevant government offices in three districts and other areas regarding assets and financial transactions held in the names of Omar Faruk, his wife and children.

According to ACC sources, the information collected will be used to determine whether the family’s declared income is consistent with their assets and banking transactions.

Allegations of Bribes in Audit Team Appointments
According to a complaint submitted to the ACC, Omar Faruk allegedly resorted to irregularities in appointing audit teams for various LGED units during his tenure.

The complaint alleges that he received approximately Tk 2 million in bribes in exchange for appointing each audit team.

He has also been accused of settling audit objections involving LGED and other government offices in exchange for money.

Alleged Influence in Settling Audit Objections
The complaint further alleges that influence was used to settle audit objections involving alleged irregularities and misappropriation of funds in various projects linked to former members of parliament.

It has also been alleged that important documents or files were sometimes withheld to extract money from individuals concerned.

Against this backdrop, the ACC is collecting detailed information on Omar Faruk’s assets and financial transactions.

Family Assets Under Scrutiny
As part of the investigation, the ACC is also examining the bank accounts, movable and immovable assets, investments and other financial transactions of Omar Faruk’s family members.

Investigators will analyse the collected information to determine whether there is any link between the alleged irregularities and actual financial transactions.

Allegation of Attempting to Secure Promotion
There are also allegations that Omar Faruk has been attempting to secure a promotion through bribery while the ACC investigation is still ongoing.

However, the allegation has not been independently verified, and the ACC’s investigation is expected to establish whether there is any truth to the claim.

According to ACC sources, the commission will decide on further legal action after reviewing the banking and asset-related information collected during the investigation.

If the allegations are found to have preliminary substance, the authorities may take steps against those concerned in accordance with the law.

It should be noted that none of the allegations against Omar Faruk has yet been proven. Until the ACC completes its investigation, the allegations remain allegations only.

Omar Faruk’s response to the allegations was not available at the time of publication. His statement or response will be incorporated into the report if obtained.