DG rejects negligence claims against Ansar in Mitford incident

The Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP, Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, has categorically denied any negligence by Ansar personnel in the murder of scrap trader Md. Sohag near Sir Salimullah Medical College and Hospital (Mitford).

Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ansar Headquarters in Khilgaon on Sunday, the DG stated that no Ansar member was on duty at Gate No. 3, where the incident occurred, at the time of the attack on July 9 around 5:50 PM.

“As per the hospital’s official duty roster, one Ansar member was assigned to Gate No. 3 from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. After that, no personnel were posted there,” the DG said.

He emphasized that Ansar duties are strictly based on deployment by hospital authorities, and members are not authorized to act outside their assigned posts. A total of 80 Ansar personnel are deployed at Mitford Hospital, covering 24 posts during various shifts.

DG Mahmud said the killing was carried out by local criminals in broad daylight, in the presence of numerous onlookers. However, no bystanders informed the nearby Ansar camp, nor was the platoon commander alerted in time.

“When the platoon commander eventually learned of the attack, he rushed to the spot. By then, the assault was already underway. He informed the hospital administration and helped bring the victim inside,” he added.

The DG clarified that Ansar personnel are under instructions from the hospital not to intervene in incidents occurring outside hospital gates.

“Ansar members operate under the authority of the hospital director. They are not permitted to act beyond their designated areas unless specifically directed to do so,” he said.

He added that if the incident had occurred inside hospital premises, Ansar would have been able to act under self-defense provisions.

Ansar officials also pointed out several long-standing security concerns at the hospital:

No CCTV coverage at Gate No. 3, despite repeated requests.

Ansar members are required to perform duties unarmed, limiting their ability to handle violent incidents.

No duty extension at vulnerable points like Gate No. 3, even after multiple formal notifications to the hospital administration.

The murder occurred about 100 yards from the Ansar barracks, in a location not visible from their post.

Given these facts, the DG stated there is “no question of negligence” on the part of Ansar.

“It is unfortunate and deeply disappointing to see such a professional force blamed without basis. The Ansar personnel followed protocol, and there was no lapse on their part,” he concluded.