Swachip leader Prof. Ariful Islam Joarder Tito arrested

Police have arrested Prof. Ariful Islam Joarder Tito, an assistant professor at the cardiology department of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and a top leader of the pro-Awami League doctors' organization Swadhinata Chikitshak Parishad (Swachip).

Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Khalid Mansur confirmed that he was arrested in connection with a vandalism case on Tuesday (November 18) afternoon.

The OC said that during interrogation, evidence was found of his involvement in the burning and vandalism of vehicles in the BMU area during the July-August uprising. He has been arrested and produced before the court.

Earlier, the former BSMMU (now BMU) administration on January 14 of this year filed the case with Shahbagh Police Station against Swachip-supported teachers, doctors, nurses and officials for attacking the anti-discrimination student movement during the July uprising.

The case statement said that on August 4 of last year, around 10:30 am, while anti-discrimination students were holding a program at Shahbagh intersection, Swachip-supported teachers, doctors and employees inside the university and at Gate No. 1 threw bricks and stones at the protesters, shouting the slogan 'Joy Bangla'.

The statement further states that 25-30 doctors, officials, nurses and employees hurled bricks and stones like rain from the administrative building and roof, injuring many protesters. Attempts were also made to attack with sharp weapons. At the same time, vehicles belonging to the hospital and the general public on the campus were vandalized and set on fire.