Renowned urologist and kidney transplant specialist Professor Dr Kamrul Islam, widely celebrated for performing over 2,000 kidney transplant surgeries without charging professional fees, has reportedly become the target of an extortion attempt allegedly involving a local political activist group in Dhaka.
Dr Islam, founder of the Centre for Kidney Diseases and Urology (CKDU) Hospital in Shyamoli, Dhaka, is one of Bangladesh’s most respected surgeons, with a reported surgical success rate exceeding 95 per cent. His decades-long contribution to public healthcare earned him the prestigious Independence Award in 2022, the country’s highest civilian honour.
However, according to allegations made by the physician and hospital authorities, a group linked to a local political youth organisation has been exerting pressure and issuing threats targeting the hospital for nearly a year.
Timeline of Alleged Pressure and Complaints
| Period | Allegation | Reported Action |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-2024 | Initial influence attempts begin | Pressure linked to hospital service contracts |
| July–August 2025 | Escalation of threats | Alleged extortion demands intensified |
| Ongoing | Repeated intimidation | Complaint lodged at local police station |
| Recent | CCTV evidence surfaced | Intrusion and intimidation inside hospital |
Dr Islam stated that the pressure intensified following the political developments in July–August last year, after which demands for money and control over hospital-related services allegedly became more frequent. He claimed that threats were issued intermittently, sometimes invoking political influence and sometimes through direct intimidation.
Hospital authorities have lodged a general diary (GD) with the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, seeking protection and legal action. Despite this, Dr Islam alleges that no effective resolution has yet been achieved, even after raising the issue with senior political figures within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
A CCTV footage reviewed by media outlets reportedly shows an individual entering the hospital premises and aggressively confronting staff, identifying himself as a youth political leader. The individual is seen verbally intimidating employees and causing panic inside the facility. The person has been identified in reports as Moiuddin Moin, a local political figure associated with a youth organisation. Another individual, Mainuddin, is also alleged to be part of the group.
According to sources, the dispute is believed to have originated over hospital catering contracts. It is alleged that when one of the individuals was not awarded a supply or service tender, tensions escalated into repeated demands and coercive tactics directed at the hospital administration.
Dr Islam further claims that he has reported the matter multiple times to senior party leadership, but no concrete action has followed.
The individuals named in the allegations are also reportedly facing multiple criminal cases, including charges related to violence and extortion.
Police Response
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam confirmed that an inquiry is underway. He stated that authorities are reviewing the allegations and would take legal action if evidence substantiates wrongdoing.
He added that a mediation meeting was held at the police station on Friday (10 April), attended by representatives of both the hospital and the accused party, aimed at de-escalating tensions.
However, the police officer also noted that, according to initial records, the matter currently appears to involve a dispute between hospital staff and individuals rather than a formally registered extortion case, although investigations are ongoing.
Wider Concerns
The incident has raised renewed concerns over the safety of medical professionals and the protection of private healthcare institutions from political or criminal pressure. Dr Kamrul Islam’s reputation as a humanitarian surgeon has intensified public attention on the case, with calls growing for a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations.
As inquiries continue, the case remains sensitive, sitting at the intersection of healthcare governance, political influence, and law enforcement accountability in Bangladesh’s capital.