A case has been filed over an alleged attack on leaders and activists of NCP at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), nearly two weeks after the incident that spotlighted allegations of overcharging, harassment and the influence of an ambulance syndicate on the hospital premises.
Sub-Inspector Md Ashraf Uddin Sardar of Panchlaish Police Station filed the case following a court order.
According to the case document, 20 to 30 unidentified individuals linked to the Chattogram Ambulance Owners Cooperative Association and affiliated ambulance operators have been made accused in the case.
Panchlaish Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Islam said the case was recorded based on findings from an investigation conducted under the supervision of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP).
“The court directed an inquiry into the incident. Based on the investigation report, the case has been registered. Individuals identified in video footage will be brought under the case, and more names will be added as suspects are identified,” he said.
Court sources said the Chattogram Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court on 8 June instructed the additional deputy commissioner of CMP’s North Division to investigate the allegations.
Following the inquiry, which found preliminary evidence supporting the claims, police were ordered to formally register a case.
According to the first information report (FIR), the incident took place on 7 June during a human chain programme organised by NCP inside the eastern gate area of CMCH.
The FIR states that a group of people allegedly attacked participants in the programme.
Police later arrived at the scene after receiving information, but the attackers had already left.
Several NCP leaders, including Chattogram city unit Joint Member Secretary Ashikur Rahman Ashik, Joint Member Secretary Asif Chowdhury and Joint Organising Secretary Shahadat Hossain Maruf, were injured during the incident, according to the complaint.
The FIR also highlights longstanding allegations against an organised ambulance syndicate operating around the hospital.
The complaint alleges that patients and relatives of the deceased are routinely charged excessive fares and that outside ambulances are often prevented from entering the hospital premises.
It further claims that some operators use ordinary microbuses lacking valid fitness certificates and route permits, fitting them with sirens and blue lights to operate as ambulances.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of alleged irregularities in ambulance services at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where complaints of syndicate control and patient harassment have surfaced repeatedly over the years.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and legal action will be taken against those found involved in the attack and related activities.
