The health ministry has removed Dr Mamunur Rashid from the post of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital director, days after a group of pro-government doctors demanded his removal over alleged links to a pro-Awami League physicians' organisation.

A circular issued by the Health Services Division said Mamunur, who was appointed director of the hospital on May 19, has been made an officer on special duty (OSD) and attached to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Leaders and activists of the Doctors' Association of Bangladesh (DAB) had been protesting his appointment, alleging that he was associated with the Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip), a pro-Awami League doctors' body.

On June 3, DAB activists removed his nameplate and confronted him in his office.

Speaking to The Daily Star that day, Mamunur rejected the allegation, saying he had been involved with Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal during his student days and that a friend had made him a life member of Swachip without his consent.