Police negligence in Mirpur clinic vandalism being investigated: DMP Commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has said an investigation is underway into whether there was any negligence or dereliction of duty on the part of police in the incident of vandalism and looting at the private health centre Radda MCH-FP Centre in the capital's Mirpur.

He made these remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting the scene in the Mirpur-1 area around 3:45pm on Saturday, September 26.

The DMP Commissioner said the incident could not have been carried out within half an hour or an hour. Upon visiting the scene, it seemed to him that the vandalism and looting were carried out over time. In particular, the tin sheds on both sides of the building were damaged and vandalised. Evidence of vandalism was also found in various parts of the building.

He said many of the data-related equipment and machinery inside the health centre are missing. Officials of the organisation have told police that they were taken away.

Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said he gave necessary instructions to the Deputy Commissioner of the Mirpur division immediately after learning of the incident. A case has been filed over the incident and four people have been arrested. Additionally, one person named in the FIR, along with 200 to 250 others, have been made unidentified accused. Operations are underway to arrest them.

Regarding the allegation by locals that police were present at the time of the incident, the DMP Commissioner said preventing such incidents falls within the responsibility of the police. Therefore, it is being examined whether police were negligent there.

He said the incident occurred late at night. The vandalism took place around 1:45am. Whether police reached the scene on time after receiving the news and whether there was any negligence or dereliction of duty on the part of police are being investigated.

A three-member investigation committee has been formed for this, headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner of the Darus Salam division. The committee has been asked to submit its report by Saturday. The DMP Commissioner said action will be taken against any police member if negligence or dereliction of duty is found in the investigation.

Meanwhile, local BNP leaders have alleged that Ferdousi Ahmed Misti, MP for a reserved women's seat, was involved in the incident and that police were used at the time. However, regarding this allegation, the DMP Commissioner said a case has been filed over the incident and an investigation is underway. Those found involved in the investigation will be brought under the law.

Regarding allegations of political instigation or involvement of local political figures in the incident, he said the police's position is clear—no party or opinion will be looked at. A criminal will be seen as a criminal. No one will be allowed to carry out any kind of occupation or illegal or unlawful activity. Those who do so will be brought under the law.