Confidence shattered

Josna Begum, 25, a housewife, used to visit the Upazilla Family Planning Clinic at Phultali Upazilla, Khulna for different reproductive health services. She was quite confident about the services of the centre and felt very comfortable with the caring attitude of doctors and nurses of the clinic. Recently an unfateful incident at the clinic shattered her high regards for the clinic and now she is afraid of going there. She has come through a sickening experience of sexual harassment by one of the male doctors at the clinic.
Six years ago, Josna was married to Ziaur Rahman, a small trader living at village Piprail of Phultali Upazila. She started to take birth control pill with the advice of Upazila Family Planning Officer. While taking pill, irregular menstruation often had happened to her. She got cured taking services from the clinic.
In 2011, she gave birth to a female child. Some complications like anemia occurred during her pregrnancy and she got treatment at the clinic. Even she used to seek medical advice from the doctors of the clinic over phone. She was fully satisfied with their services.
On August 21 , 2013, Josna went to Doctor Humayun Kabir for some reproductive health advice at the clinic. The doctor tried to violate her chastity in absence of field workers of the clinic.
“I shouted for help, came out of clinic and burst into tear, “ Josna said. Local people rushed to the spot, caught the doctor red handed, and handed him over to Phultala police station. While contacted UP Chairman Robiul Islam admitted the incident.
We detained Dr. Humayun Kabir and interrogated him on the basis of written allegation filed by Josna Begum with Phultala police station, said Emdad Hossain, officer-in-charge of Phultali police station.
While talking to Selina Khatun, Phultali Upazila Family Planning Officer said the family planning clinic had been delivering satisfactory services to local people. She never received any complain about its services. “The recent incident is very shameful; it has tarnished our successful efforts; we will take punitive action against the accused doctor”, said Selina Khatun.