PM orders MP Mishti to resign over Radda centre attack
Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti, former joint convener of the dissolved Dhaka North City BNP committee and MP for a reserved women’s seat, to resign over allegations of involvement in the attack, looting and vandalism at the Radda MCH-FP health centre in Mirpur, Dhaka.
The prime minister gave her the instruction on Wednesday, according to several BNP sources who spoke to Agamir Somoy.
Sources close to MP Mishti said she may resign from Parliament at any time on Thursday.
On the night of September 25, more than 200 people attacked the Radda health centre. After taking security guards hostage, they entered the health centre and looted medicines, medical equipment and other items. Heavy machinery was later used to demolish one permanent and three semi-permanent structures at the health centre. The institution had been providing healthcare services to poor mothers and children for nearly five decades.
The incident took place while the PM was in New York attending UN General Assembly. After returning to the country and learning about the incident, he sought detailed information and expressed his intense dissatisfaction over the vandalism. He also instructed the authorities to take action against those involved and investigate whether any leaders or activists of the party at any level were involved.
According to sources, the party has prior information regarding Mishti’s alleged involvement in the attack on the Radda health centre. Based on this, she was instructed to resign as a member of Parliament. She has already been informed of the party’s decision.
However, she denied allegations of her involvement in the attack. She said although her name had been associated with the unpleasant act, she had no involvement in the vandalism. She wants the police to investigate the incident as per law.
Several people have already been arrested in connection with the attack on the Radda health centre. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has also said that allegations of the MP’s involvement in the attack are being investigated and action will be taken if her involvement is established.
Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti has long been involved in Dhaka city BNP politics and is currently a lawmaker from a reserved women’s seat. Various investigations have found that the September 25 attack took place against the backdrop of a long standing local dispute over the land where the Radda centre is located.
