Serious allegations of large-scale financial corruption have surfaced against Ibn Sina Hospital, one of the capital’s leading private healthcare institutions, with claims that nearly Tk 10 billion (approximately USD 90 million) was embezzled through fake bills and inflated vouchers over several years.
At the centre of the allegations is Dr Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, a key policymaker of the Ibn Sina Trust and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami. Hospital insiders allege that a powerful syndicate was formed under political influence to siphon off funds under the guise of equipment procurement, infrastructure development, and administrative expenses.
Multiple sources within the hospital said the alleged irregularities have generated deep resentment among doctors and staff. However, many are reluctant to speak publicly for fear of losing their jobs.
Inflated Equipment Costs, Fake Contractors
According to findings from an initial inquiry, significant irregularities have occurred in several development projects over the last two fiscal years. These include:
Manipulated procurement: Prices of imported medical equipment such as MRI and CT scan machines were allegedly shown to be nearly three times higher than actual market rates.
Fake vouchers: Bills were reportedly paid to contractor firms that exist only on paper, with no verifiable presence or operational history.
A senior official from the hospital’s accounts department, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Ajker Kantho that financial officials were pressured to approve suspicious payments.
“Files would come directly from Dr Taher’s office. The prices mentioned in the vouchers were outrageously higher than market rates. When we raised objections, we were threatened and told these were ‘orders from the top’. Eventually, we had no choice but to sign,” the official said.
Silence from Ibn Sina Trust
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the Ibn Sina Trust has yet to issue any formal statement. It also remains unclear whether any internal investigation committee has been formed against Dr Taher.
A senior administrative official of the trust, requesting anonymity, said, “I am not authorised to comment on policy-level matters. However, it is true that the audit department has raised objections over some recent bills and vouchers. The matter is being reviewed internally.”
Attempts to contact Dr Taher for comment were unsuccessful, as he could not be reached by phone.
Authorities Signal Action
Health sector regulators have expressed concern over the allegations. Director (Hospitals and Clinics) at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Md Moinul Ahsan, said the issue would be taken seriously.
“Financial transparency in private hospitals is essential. Allegations of embezzling such a huge amount are extremely serious. If we receive specific complaints, a formal investigation committee will be formed. No one will be allowed to profit personally in the name of healthcare,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain said the commission is already reviewing the media reports.
“Whether an individual or an institution, anyone involved in corruption will be brought under the law. If the allegations are found to have prima facie validity, we will summon asset statements from Dr Taher and other concerned individuals,” he said.
Public Outrage and Civil Society Reaction
The allegations have sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many users accusing private hospitals of prioritising profit over patient care.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the case reflects a deeper governance crisis in the health sector.
“Using political identity to plunder the healthcare sector indicates a severe lack of accountability. If such corruption occurs in trust-run institutions, where will ordinary people go? An immediate, impartial investigation and exemplary punishment are essential,” he said.
The alleged Ibn Sina Hospital scandal has not only tarnished the image of the institution but has also raised serious questions about transparency and oversight in Bangladesh’s private healthcare sector. Observers warn that unless swift legal action is taken against those responsible, such irregularities will continue unchecked.
