Dr Cynthia Tasmin Continues Healthcare Services Amid Cyberbullying Controversy

Dr Cynthia Tasmin, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer (UHFPO) at Sreemangal Upazila Health Complex in Moulvibazar, continues to oversee and manage regular healthcare services amid controversy surrounding social media posts and allegations against her. Describing the posts as false and motivated by malicious intent, she has filed a General Diary (GD) with Sreemangal Police Station. The matter is currently under investigation.

A member of the 33rd Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Health Cadre, Dr Tasmin is responsible for managing the administrative operations of Sreemangal Upazila Health Complex while coordinating and supervising medical services. Her involvement in maternal healthcare, normal deliveries, caesarean sections and various women's healthcare programmes has attracted attention locally.

Dr Tasmin holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree and a Master of Public Health (MPH). Before assuming her responsibilities in Sreemangal, she served as the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer at Bajitpur Upazila Health Complex in Kishoreganj district.

According to hospital sources, a total of 2,726 normal deliveries were conducted at Sreemangal Upazila Health Complex from 2025 to March 2026. During the same period, 113 caesarean sections were performed.

Hospital sources further stated that caesarean delivery services, which had remained suspended for an extended period, were resumed through a coordinated initiative with the assistance of a gynaecology specialist from Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital. Arrangements were subsequently made to provide the service once a week.

According to hospital authorities, doctors, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals must work collaboratively to ensure patient care despite staff shortages and various operational challenges. Dr Tasmin is responsible for the administrative supervision and coordination of these activities.

Alongside maternal healthcare services, Sreemangal Upazila Health Complex is also involved in screening programmes for the early detection of cervical and breast cancer.

According to information from the relevant programme, the health complex received recognition in 2026 for its district-level screening activities in Sylhet Division under a population-based programme incorporating electronic data recording and follow-up systems.

Sources associated with the programme said Dr Tasmin has played an important role in coordinating healthcare workers' efforts to expand cancer screening coverage among women and facilitate early disease detection.

Recently, several social media posts concerning Dr Tasmin brought the matter into public discussion. She alleged that personal photographs and videos had been used to circulate misleading and defamatory statements about her. She claimed that the posts had damaged her social standing and professional reputation.

Following the incident, she filed a General Diary with Sreemangal Police Station. However, questions remain regarding the authenticity of the disputed posts and the allegations they contain. The police investigation into the allegations and the individuals involved has yet to be completed, while online trolling and criticism reportedly continue.

Speaking about the matter, Dr Tasmin said the allegations and claims circulated against her on social media and, in some instances, through news outlets were baseless and deliberately intended to damage her reputation.

She alleged that the campaign was aimed at undermining her social standing and professional credibility. She further claimed that certain groups operating as a syndicate within Sreemangal's healthcare sector were involved.

"As a government official, I have full respect for the laws of the country and the ongoing police investigation. I believe that an impartial investigation will reveal the truth," she said.

Dr Tasmin further stated that she and her colleagues remain committed to ensuring healthcare services for the public, particularly maternal healthcare and the successful implementation of various public health programmes.

She expressed hope that attempts to discredit her on social media would not prevent them from carrying out their professional responsibilities.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Sreemangal for their support, she called for an impartial investigation by law enforcement agencies to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.

Commenting on the issue, a human rights activist and lawyer, who requested anonymity, said ensuring equal rights for women and maintaining a workplace free from harassment are important responsibilities of the state.

Article 28(2) of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees women equal rights with men in all spheres of state and public life. Bangladesh is also a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). International Labour Organization (ILO) standards concerning the prevention of violence and harassment in the workplace are also relevant in this context.

The lawyer said allegations against any government official should be examined through a proper investigation. Statements circulated on social media should not be treated as established facts without verification.

The lawyer added that if deliberate dissemination of false information, threats, harassment or defamation is established through evidence, the relevant authorities may take action in accordance with applicable laws.

Despite the ongoing social media controversy, regular medical services at Sreemangal Upazila Health Complex remain operational. These include maternal healthcare, normal deliveries, caesarean sections, women's healthcare services and cancer screening programmes.

According to individuals familiar with the hospital's operations, maintaining healthcare standards at a government hospital at the upazila level requires coordinated efforts among doctors and healthcare workers despite limited staffing and other challenges. They credited Dr Tasmin's close supervision and administrative guidance with helping sustain these services.

The allegations involving Dr Cynthia Tasmin and the social media posts concerning her remain under investigation. A prompt conclusion to the investigation would help establish the facts before any definitive judgement is made.

Concerned local residents have expressed hope that an impartial investigation will reveal the truth and that healthcare services at Sreemangal Upazila Health Complex will continue without disruption.