Arrest all RADDA attackers or Mirpur will be paralysed, Jamaat leader Barrister Arman warns

Dhaka-14 Member of Parliament Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem on Thursday demanded immediate arrest of those who attacked the RADDA health centre in the capital’s Mirpur, alleging that the two MPs who visited the site after the vandalism also had the culprits in their entourage.

Speaking at a rally, Barrister Quasem, who is known as Arman, said alleged “mafia leader and godfather” Jaglul Pasha, Papel had yet to be arrested. He added that “shooter” Lenin and the alleged masterminds behind the incident also remained at large.

The Jamaat MP said there would be consequences if justice was not delivered.

“We will not let anyone go accountable. The attackers must be arrested, chargesheeted and legal action taken. Otherwise, we will paralyse the entirety of Mirpur,” he said. 

Arman also said Mirpur could become an example for the rest of the country.

“If we can ensure justice in Mirpur, then land grabbers, extortionists and mafia will become wary across the country.”

More than 200 masked men allegedly stormed the RADDA MCH-FP Centre on the night of September 24-25.

The attackers allegedly restrained security guards, looted medicines, vaccines and medical equipment before heavy machinery was brought in to demolish the facility.

Earlier, residents and other sources told Bangla-daily Prothom Alo that former Dhaka Metropolitan Jubo Dal member secretary Mostafa Jaglul Pasha, known as Papel, was among those who moved around the area in a white microbus during the destruction and gave instructions.

Attempts by the newspaper to reach all three for comment were unsuccessful. Daily Waadaa independently obtained the contact number of one of them and made repeated attempts to reach him, but received no response.

RADDA had provided primary healthcare, maternity, family-planning and vaccination services to residents of Mirpur for decades, making its destruction particularly sensitive.

The incident quickly developed into a political problem for the BNP, with allegations of involvement by people linked to local party politics.

BNP lawmaker Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti resigned from parliament amid the mounting controversy.

Sources said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ordered her resignation.

Mishti is the sister of late BNP lawmaker Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu and the widow of a slain BNP councillor.

Her resignation, however, did not put an end to criticism.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman said organisational action against those linked to the attack was not enough, calling for legal proceedings and punishment for those responsible.

He called for legal action and strict punishment after the BNP asked its reserved-seat lawmaker Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti to resign from parliament over the incident.