The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) has condemned the alleged attack, looting and vandalism at the Radda MCH-FP Health Centre in Mirpur-1 and a separate attack on content creator Salman Muqtadir’s studio in the capital.
In a statement, the rights organisation said the incidents raised serious concerns over people’s rights to life, security, healthcare and property, as well as personal dignity, freedom to work and the rule of law.
According to HRSS, more than 200 masked people allegedly attacked the Radda health centre around midnight, assaulted and restrained security guards, and looted medicines, government vaccines, vaccination registers, health records, family planning supplies and medical equipment.
The attackers also allegedly used heavy machinery to demolish one permanent and three semi-permanent structures at the facility.
HRSS said the health centre had estimated the damage at around Tk1.5 crore.
The organisation said the Radda health centre has long provided primary healthcare, maternal health, family planning and vaccination services, particularly to low-income and disadvantaged people, women and children.
The alleged destruction of the facility could therefore affect access to essential healthcare, the rights body said.
It expressed particular concern over the alleged looting or damage of government vaccines and vaccination records, saying this could disrupt children’s immunisation schedules and affect public health management.
Questions over police role
HRSS also called for an independent investigation into the role of law enforcement agencies during the incident.
It said media reports had raised allegations that police were present at the scene while the alleged looting was taking place. Some reports, it added, said CCTV footage showed goods being loaded onto pickup trucks while a police vehicle was nearby.
The rights body said investigators should establish when police were informed of the incident, when they reached the scene and why they allegedly failed to prevent the attack and destruction.
The role of police personnel present at the scene should also be examined, it said.
If negligence or collusion is established, those responsible should face legal action, according to HRSS.
Salman Muqtadir’s studio also attacked
HRSS also condemned the reported attack, vandalism and looting at the Brownfish studio of content creator Salman Muqtadir in the ECB Chattar area.
Citing media reports, the organisation said an organised group allegedly attacked the studio, vandalised the premises and looted valuables, while people present there were reportedly threatened.
It called for an impartial investigation to establish the cause of the incident and identify those responsible.
HRSS demands action
HRSS called for comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigations into both incidents.
It demanded that not only those directly involved but also alleged planners, instigators, financiers and accomplices be identified and brought to justice.
The organisation also urged authorities to recover and assess the safety and usability of government vaccines, EPI registers, health records, medicines and medical equipment allegedly taken from the Radda centre.
It called for the damaged health centre to be restored quickly and healthcare services resumed, with temporary alternatives arranged for people who have been deprived of services.
HRSS also demanded an independent and accountable investigation into the role of law enforcement agencies at the scene. It said action must be taken against those responsible if negligence of duty or collusion is established.
HRSS further urged the authorities to strengthen measures to prevent individuals or groups from taking the law into their own hands and to ensure the safety of healthcare facilities, health workers, patients and the public.
A healthcare facility, the rights body said, should not be treated as a matter of political, business or local influence, as its functioning is directly linked to fundamental rights and public welfare.
It said those responsible for the Radda incident must be brought to justice, healthcare services restored and effective measures taken to prevent similar incidents.
