Rizwana faces allegations over takeover of Gonoshasthaya Kendra

Founded during the 1971 Liberation War, Gonoshasthaya Kendra emerged from the Bangladesh Field Hospital in Tripura, India, where wounded freedom fighters and refugees were treated. Over the decades, it has developed into one of Bangladesh’s largest non-profit health organisations, headquartered in Savar’s Mirzanagar with 43 sub-centres across the country. Its work spans healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, women’s development, disaster management, agriculture and social development, and it has received the Independence Award.

However, the institution is now facing serious controversy amid allegations of a forced takeover.

Following a major political shift on 5 August 2024, control of the organisation reportedly changed hands. Former interim government adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has been accused of being involved in the process, although she has not publicly responded to the allegations.

Investigations suggest that efforts to gain control began after the death of founder Zafrullah Chowdhury on 11 April 2023.

On 24 August 2024, more than 50 individuals reportedly gathered at the Savar headquarters, creating a mob situation. They allegedly forced the only surviving founding trustee, freedom fighter Nazimuddin Ahmed, and director Dr Mahbub Jubayer to resign.

Dr Nazimuddin claims he was compelled to sign a resignation document prepared by others under threats of arrest if he refused. He also alleges that instructions were given over the phone to remove him “by any means necessary”. Despite the presence of senior local administration officials, no intervention was made, according to his account.

Video evidence and identified individuals

Footage reviewed by investigators shows a group of 50–60 people entering the medical college hospital director’s office around midday and pressuring officials for several hours. Several individuals were identified in the footage, including doctors and administrative staff associated with the organisation.

Sources indicate that the broader context involved a series of similar incidents across the country, where individuals were targeted amid political accusations.

Disputed trustee board and legal concerns

The controversy intensified following the formation of a new trustee board through a disputed legal deed. According to documents collected from a sub-registrar’s office, a seven-member board was created, including Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Shirin Haque.

Legal experts note that under the Trust Act of 1882, only founding members have the authority to form or restructure a trustee board. Critics argue that the new board was self-appointed and therefore legally questionable.

Dr Nazimuddin maintains that he is the only surviving founding trustee and claims the new board is illegitimate. He alleges that those involved sought to remove him after he initiated audits into alleged corruption within the organisation.

Records from 1972 show that the organisation was founded by six individuals, including Zafrullah Chowdhury and Nazimuddin Ahmed. Over time, most founding members passed away or became inactive.

Despite its humanitarian legacy, the organisation has faced internal disputes following the death of its founding leader. Allegations include document falsification, intimidation and forced removal of staff.

Investigators found that tensions escalated earlier in August 2023, when a senior doctor was reportedly forced out in a similar incident. Observers describe this as part of a longer strategy to gain control of the institution.

When contacted, a member of the disputed trustee board declined to comment, referring queries to the organisation’s legal adviser.

Attempts to reach other board members, including Syeda Rizwana Hasan, were unsuccessful.

Call for investigation

Dr Nazimuddin has called for an independent investigation and government intervention, claiming that the institution is currently under unlawful control and that dissenting voices are being removed.