For nearly three hours, a healthcare centre serving mothers and children in Mirpur-1 was turned into a scene of destruction as more than 200 people allegedly stormed the premises, looted equipment and medicines and demolished parts of the facility.
Days later, police say they have identified many of those involved through CCTV footage, with most of the suspects linked to BNP and its affiliated organisations.
Twelve people have been arrested so far, but BNP leader Hanif Mia, who has emerged as a mastermind in discussions surrounding the incident, remains at large. The name of reserved-seat MP Ferdousi Ahmed Misty has also surfaced in connection with the incident, although police have not questioned her.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar told TIMES that no one involved would be spared.
“Whoever is involved, no one will be spared. The investigation is ongoing. Besides video footage, information and evidence regarding many people have been found,” he said.
He added that police were conducting a drive to arrest Hanif.
The attack on Radda MCH-FP Centre took place on Thursday night, when attackers allegedly entered the facility with local weapons, held two security guards hostage and looted valuable equipment, medicines, vaccines, cash and other belongings.
Police said heavy machinery was later used to demolish parts of the centre, including one permanent and three semi-permanent structures.
The incident has not halted medical services. Health workers continue treating patients inside the clinic, while chairs and tables have been placed outside to keep essential activities running.
After the attack, the signboard and banners of “Somomona Dokandar Samabay Samity Limited” were removed and the centre’s own signboard was put back in place. Renovation work has also started, with BNP activists involved in the repairs, according to local sources.
CCTV trail leads to BNP activists
Police and local sources said a group gathered near Shah Ali Police Station and beside the office of Shah Ali Thana BNP Joint Convener Khalil Chowdhury before heading towards Radda.
Around 12:50am, the group moved towards Muktijoddha Market in Mirpur-1.
According to CCTV footage reviewed by police, Shah Ali Thana Chhatra Dal Joint General Secretary Awlad Hossain alias Nada Awlad, 93 Ward BNP Joint Convener Md Elias, former Shah Ali Thana Chhatra Dal Joint Convener Arif, Shooter Lelin’s associates Samir, Hasan, Bhulu, Takku Kabir, Sohel and BNP leader Hanif Mia’s brother Shamim were among those who moved towards Radda with more than 100 others.
Police said several motorcycles and a white microbus followed the group. They alleged that Metropolitan North Jubo Dal Member Secretary Mostafa Jalal Pasha Papel, Hanif, Lelin and others monitored the situation from the vehicle and gave instructions before the vandalism and looting began.
Excavator driver says he was misled
The excavator used during the demolition was hired from Mirpur Beribadh.
Owner Shahidul Islam, a resident of Hemayetpur in Savar, said he was told that the machine was needed to remove an old shop.
He said Shahadat Hossain, cashier of Somomona Dokandar Samabay Samity Limited, hired the excavator.
However, when driver Yasin Arafat arrived at the location late at night and saw masked people with red cloths tied around their heads, he became frightened.
Arafat said he realised after entering through the road beside Muktijoddha Market that an occupation was taking place.
He said he wanted to leave by claiming that the machine was not working, but he had no opportunity to do so.
Later, with the help of local resident Soleman, former Shah Ali Thana Chhatra Dal Joint Secretary Maruf hired another excavator from Beribadh and brought it to the spot.
Other land disputes bring more arrests
Police also announced 13 arrests in two separate incidents involving alleged land occupation attempts and attacks in Mohammadpur and Adabar.
Eight people were arrested over an alleged attempt to occupy land and loot property at Chand Udyan Housing in Mohammadpur.
The arrested individuals are Md Limon, Md Monowar Hossain Saddam, Saddam Hossain, Abul Bashar, Saiful Islam, Jibon Mia, Asadul Haque, and Md Harun.
Police said a group entered an office at Twin Tower near Chand Udyan Beribadh last Saturday carrying local weapons and sticks, vandalised the office and took away cash, Apple MacBooks, laptops, desktop computers, two air conditioners, CCTV cameras, DVR boxes and important documents.
Two people were arrested on Sunday and six others on Monday after a case was filed.
Police said the arrested individuals admitted their involvement and that robbery and assault cases had been filed against them.
In another incident in Shyamoli Housing, police arrested five people over an alleged attack on a house.
Police said 15 to 20 masked people carrying weapons and firearms attacked a building on plots 41 and 42 on Road 6, attempted to force their way in and damaged the main gate, doors and windows.
Police said the attack was led by Khurshid Alam Khan along with Habibullah alias Russell, Kalam and others.
After a case was filed with Adabar Police Station, police arrested Abul Kalam Azad, Md Russell, Md Atikul, Md Russell Piyada and Lyon.
Police said the house is subject to an ownership dispute between two parties and that the matter is pending before a court.
Meanwhile, police have announced fresh arrest in the attack on New Guinea Properties near ECB Chattar in Mirpur and the “Brownfish” studio of content creator Salman Muqtadir.
Five people were arrested earlier in connection with that incident. One more person was held on Monday.
