Khulna Hospital technologist flees with money

A medical technologist (lab) at Khulna General Hospital has decamped allegedly with around Tk 2.5 crore  collected from corona tests of people going abroad.

The accused has been identified as Prokash Kumar Das, 45, Khulna Civil Surgeon Dr Niaz Mohammad confirmed on Tuesday.

He said his office is preparing to file a case against him.

Sources at Civil Surgeon’s office said Prakash was in charge of collecting the fees for Covid-19 test samples taken from the people going abroad.

He had been manipulating the number of people taking the tests since July 2 in 2020 to gain illegal financial benefits, according to the allegation.

Suspecting foul play, an inquiry committee was formed against Prakash on 22 August. According to the inquiry report, the amount deposited was about Tk 2.58 lakh less than the amount that was supposed to be received.

Later, an explanation was sought from him on 22 September and he promised to provide it the following day.