Those involved in Radda razing identified, yet remain out of reach
Collected Photo
It has been five days since the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1 was razed to the ground under the cover of night. The identities of the attackers have already been determined by analyzing CCTV footage. Even the names of those who ordered the attack and planned the vandalism are coming to light. However, the key planners and instigators remain at large. None of those arrested up to yesterday, Tuesday, were the "masterminds" behind the attack; most of them had participated in the vandalism in exchange for money.
Law enforcement officials stated that multiple teams are working to arrest Hanif, the only named accused in the case filed over the incident. They also affirmed that there is no pressure regarding the investigation.
Expressing that the government is embarrassed by the attack on the healthcare center, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, said: "Those involved in the attack, vandalism, and looting will be brought to justice based on the police investigation. At the same time, allegations regarding the police's presence at the scene and their subsequent role are also being investigated."
Various details are emerging in the search for answers regarding who led the planning and execution of the attack. CCTV footage, statements from local residents and business owners, and multiple relevant sources indicate that prior to the attack, people gathered in front of the office of local BNP and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders near Shah Ali Police Station. Later, a group among them headed toward the healthcare center. During the attack, the movement of a white microbus and several motorcycles in the vicinity of the scene was also captured by various CCTV cameras in the area. Furthermore, it was revealed that the excavator used to demolish the healthcare center had been rented in advance.
When asked about the latest updates in the investigation, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shah Ali Police Station, Md. Rajib Hossain, told Agamir Somoy: "A total of 12 people have been arrested in connection with this incident up to Tuesday. Everyone is working to arrest Hanif, the main and only named accused. The investigating officer is analyzing CCTV footage to identify all those involved."
In the CCTV footage from the night of the vandalism, Agamir Somoy observed that a group of people initially gathered near Shah Ali Police Station in front of the office of Abul Kalam Azad alias Lenin, former convener of the local JCD unit. Around 12:50 AM, the gathered individuals were seen moving toward the healthcare center. Among them was a young man wearing a yellow T-shirt, identified as Arif, a former joint convener of Shah Ali Thana JCD. Shamim, wearing a red T-shirt, and Hasan, wearing a cap, were also identified as former local JCD leaders and known followers of Abul Kalam Azad alias Lenin. Another CCTV clip showed Shamim, the younger brother of the main accused and BNP leader Hanif Mia, at the scene. A group of the attackers went near the health center and gathered local weapons, including sticks, machetes (ramda), and hammers. Subsequently, some covered their heads with cloth and masks before breaking into the healthcare center.
The names of Aulad Hossain alias Nada Aulad, Joint General Secretary of Shah Ali Thana Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), and Md. Elias, Joint Convener of Ward No. 93 BNP, have surfaced as leaders of the vandalism. Additionally, the name of an individual named Arafat has emerged, though his identity has not yet been confirmed. During the attack and looting, individuals named Bulu and Kabir alias Takku Kabir were spotted patrolling on motorcycles to manage the situation outside.
A white microbus was parked near the scene. An officer involved in the investigation told Agamir Somoy that Hanif Mia, Abul Kalam Azad alias Lenin, and former Member Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan Jubo Dal Mostafa Jaglul Pasha alias Papel, along with several others, were inside that vehicle. During the attack and demolition, directions were issued and movements at the scene were monitored from inside the microbus.
It was also revealed that Hanif Mia and Abul Kalam Azad alias Lenin are known in the area as close associates of Ferdousi Ahmed Misti, a Member of Parliament from the reserved women's seat. Among them, Lenin has put up banners and posters in the locality as a prospective candidate for the Ward No. 8 councillor position.
When asked whether there is any obstruction or pressure regarding the arrest of those involved in the incident, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the Mirpur Division Hasan Mohammad Naser told Agamir Somoy: "The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and those involved are being arrested. There is no pressure whatsoever. Everyone associated with the incident will be brought to justice under the law."
Arrests and Recoveries So Far: According to information provided by the police, the 12 individuals arrested so far in connection with the incident are: Md. Sohel (22), Md. Jewel (23), Jihad Hasan (21), Md. Rabbi (20), Shahadat Hossain (33), Kazi Mokbul Hossain (58), Shah Alam (53), Atiqur Rahman (33), Kamrul Islam (52), Shakil (20), Md. Mintu (35), and Md. Milon (45). Law enforcement agencies have recovered 46 categories of stolen items from the healthcare center, including furniture, vaccines, registers, refrigerators, office documents, printers, and generators. Two covered vans and an excavator (veku) used to transport the goods have also been seized.
All Involved Will Be Brought to Justice — Information Adviser: Stating that the government is embarrassed by the attack, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, assured that everyone involved will be brought under arrest. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat yesterday, he said: "Serious attention is being given to those whose names or identities have emerged through media investigations and CCTV footage. While investigative reports by the media are not a substitute for police investigation, the final charge sheet will ultimately be prepared based on the police findings."
