News Flash
DHAKA, Sept 17, 2025 (BSS) - Barishal Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Md Kabir Hossain Patwary has been suspended and transferred amid widespread controversy over allegations that he fraudulently married at least 17 women.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the suspension order on Wednesday through a notification signed by Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed. The action was taken under Rule 3(b) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules-2018 on grounds of serious misconduct.
The ministry has also invoked Rule 12(1) to temporarily suspend Kabir from service, stating that the step was necessary and expedient under the circumstances. During the suspension period, he will receive food allowance as per regulations and will remain attached to the Divisional Forest Officer's office in Rangpur, instead of Barishal.
Kabir Hossain Patwary has faced disciplinary action in the past as well. He was reportedly suspended twice previously for allegedly misusing his official position to entrap women. However, he was reinstated following a recommendation from former minister Dipu Moni.
The current controversy intensified after a written complaint was submitted by Khadija Akhter, a resident of Sonadanga, Khulna, on April 9, 2025. In her complaint to the Forest and Environment Adviser, Khadija alleged that Kabir had married her under false pretenses, demanded dowry, and subjected her to physical abuse when she failed to meet his demands.
In a separate incident, in 2019, Nasrin Akhter Dolan of Mongla, Bagerhat, filed a similar case in court against Kabir, accusing him of fraudulent marriage and abuse. That case remains pending.
Following the new allegations, the ministry formed a probe committee on April 9, with Joint Secretary Saidur Rahman appointed as the investigation officer. Rahman visited Barishal on September 11 as part of the inquiry.
During his visit, several alleged victims and their family members held a human chain and protest rally in front of the Conservator of Forests' office in Barishal, demanding justice and immediate punishment for Kabir Hossain.
According to the probe committee, the allegations were found to be credible.
Meanwhile, Advocate Hafiz Ahmed Babul, the Public Prosecutor of Barishal Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court, filed a case against Kabir on his own initiative with the Metropolitan First Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. The court accepted the case and directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to carry out an inquiry and submit a report.
