7 injured in clash between two groups at DMCH

At least seven people were injured in a series of clashes between two groups of brokers over patient-sharing and ICU admissions at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

The clashes took place on Wednesday, September 24 — first in front of the emergency department and later near the office of the Class IV Employees’ Association.

The injured have been identified as Nawshad, Anisur Rahman, Ripu and Riaz of Shahadat Group, and Imon, Bandhan and Sumon of Billal Group.

Hospital staff said the clashes stemmed mainly from disputes over ICU patients and ambulance business. Nawshad was assaulted first, after which Shahadat Group launched a counterattack. During the violence, Imon sustained a serious head injury from sharp weapons while Bandhan’s hand was broken.

Earlier, Shahadat Group clash with another group over patient grabbing, which led to Shahadat’s expulsion from the post of General Secretary of the DU hall unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.

Ward master Md Shipon of DMCH said: “Shahadat Group used to divert patients from Dhaka Medical to private hospitals. When Imon and others resisted, they attacked our association office with sharp weapons.”

Asked about the incident, Shahadat said: “At night, Billal, Sumon, Nasir, Imon, Dulal, Shafin and others severely beat Nawshad in front of the emergency. When Dhaka International Hospital owner Anisur Rahman arrived to inquire, scuffles and fighting broke out between the two sides.”

Anisur Rahman, owner of Dhaka International Hospital, said: “In front of the emergency, several men assaulted my driver Nawshad. When I questioned them, they also attacked us.”

Inspector Md Faruk of DMCH police outpost said: “Clashes occurred between the two groups both in front of the emergency and outside the hospital. Several people were injured. We are trying to determine the exact cause.”