Allegations of irregularities, extortion and administrative misconduct at the morgue of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital in the capital have sparked controversy, with claims that families of deceased persons are being asked to pay money during post-mortem procedures.
Several sources alleged that payments, commonly referred to as “bakshish”, are routinely collected from relatives of the deceased and later shared among staff members. A complaint has also been lodged with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, alleging that a morgue assistant was transferred after refusing to participate in the alleged “bakshish” system.
Meanwhile, allegations have also emerged against a contract-based morgue attendant of drug use and serving a jail sentence in a case for mugging.
In a written complaint, morgue assistant Nure Alam Shanto alleged that Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine Dr Nashat Jabeen Disha demanded an iPhone 17 Pro Max in exchange for facilitating job-related arrangements. He further claimed that during the preparation of post-mortem reports in rape-related cases, he was instructed, along with other staff members, to collect money from police personnel and others to purchase the device. He said he was removed from his post on 9 May after refusing to comply.
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam said he was not aware of the complaint and would investigate the matter.
Another morgue assistant, Jatanlal, who has since been transferred to Dhaka Dental College Hospital, alleged that payments from families after post-mortems are often demanded or distributed through informal arrangements. He claimed he was transferred after refusing to take part in the system.
He also said a contract-based attendant named Jibon alias Janu had been appointed at the morgue, who previously worked at Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital.
Another staff member, Selina, has also been accused of demanding money from relatives of deceased persons. She has denied the allegations.
Several families who received post-mortem services at the hospital alleged that informal arrangements exist to manage queues for autopsies as well as body washing and shrouding services after examinations. They claimed that, in the absence of alternatives, families often pay between Tk5,000 and Tk10,000, describing it as “bakshish”.
In cases involving rape and murder, or rape alone, forensic examinations are conducted. Allegations have also been raised that post-mortem reports may be influenced in exchange for money, although no official confirmation has been made.
Some hospital employees alleged that Dr Nashat Jabeen Disha routinely makes financial demands through intermediaries involving morgue staff, and that one assistant was transferred for failing to comply. They also claimed that the contract-based attendant Janu has a criminal background, including a prior conviction and imprisonment in a mugging case.
However, Dr Nashat Jabeen Disha rejected all allegations, saying the Ministry of Health is responsible for appointing morgue assistants and that she was not aware of the matters raised. She referred queries to Hospital Secretary Md Khairul Basar.
When contacted, Md Khairul Basar referred the matter back to Disha.
Morgue attendant Janu denied the allegations, saying that he was appointed by Principal Professor Dr Md Ainul Islam Khan of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. He said he is currently working without salary and will receive payment after formal contractual appointment, dismissing all other claims against him.
Dr Md Ainul Islam Khan said he was not aware of any such appointment and would look into the matter, along with other allegations.
Police said the matter is under review, and further action will depend on investigation findings.
