Shah Ali OC withdrawn amid probe into Mirpur health centre attack

The officer-in-charge (OC) of Shah Ali Police Station in Dhaka has been withdrawn amid scrutiny over alleged police negligence during an overnight attack, looting and demolition at the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur.

Jahangir Alam has been attached to the DMP headquarters following an order from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police headquarters.

The move came a day after DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed visited the site and said authorities were examining whether police had failed to respond in time despite the police station being located nearby. He said action would be taken if any negligence was established.

Police have so far arrested nine people in connection with the incident, according to the information provided by the DMP. Two truckloads of goods allegedly looted from the health centre have also been recovered.

The Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1 says it has provided free primary healthcare, maternity and family-planning services to poor and vulnerable mothers and children for 50 years in partnership with the government.

The facility was attacked late Thursday night, with heavy machinery used to demolish one permanent and three semi-permanent buildings. Radda also reported the looting of office equipment and a large quantity of vaccination supplies.

Radda Executive Director Nasrin Akhter filed a case with Shah Ali Police Station naming local BNP leader Hanif Mia and 200–250 others. Hanif has denied involvement, according to reports.

A three-member committee is also examining the role of police during the incident, while investigations into those responsible for the attack continue.