Police is yet to register a case over the attack and vandalism at the NGO Gonoshasthaya Kendra, two days into the incident.
A group of men, allegedly followers of people who have in recent times filed cases against Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK) founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, vandalized establishments in the university, looted valuables and beat up several people on Friday.
The NGO’s compound houses several institutions including a pharmacy, a university and a hospital.
Dr Fuad Hossain of biochemistry department of Gono University said the attackers ransacked the PHA Building there and stole valuable equipment including computers, TV, fridge and laptop.
“Most of them looked like hired goons. We have tried to lodge a case, but there has been no positive response from anywhere,” he said.
He said people working at the campus are now living in fear.
Limon Hossain, a student of the university who is known nationally as a survivor of a RAB shooting in 2011, was injured in the attack. He went to the police to file a case, but the OC asked him to bring a written copy, he said.
“When I went with the written the duty officer received it but gave no receipt. I was supposed to be notified about development,” Limon said last night.
GK administrative official Alamgir Hossain also said they have contacted police but they are yet to take any action.
Ashulia police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rezaul Haque Dipu said they were investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, students of Gonoshasthaya University yesterday formed a human chain in front of its main gate protesting the attack on three girl’s hostels and the PHA Building.
‘Illegal to refuse filing a case’
Eminent lawyers thrashed police over not registering a case on the attack on Gonoshasthya.
They said police cannot wait for a written complaint as the information that was provided to the police included criminal offenses like attempted murder, looting, damaging property. They pointed out the police were also eyewitnesses to the incidents.
Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua said police can lodge a FIR whenever they get information from anyone, in any format.
“If police acknowledges receipt of the information, an FIR will be filed no matter how the information was received. If the information is on any cognizable offense, police can start discharging their duties as per law,” he said.
The complainants can move against the police for departmental action if they refuse to help. They can also go to court.
Eminent jurist Shahdeen Malik said the law allows police to file a case on its own if it gets notified of any cognizable offense.
“In this incident, the news was everywhere, and the police were present at the scene. They will have to take immediate action instantly,” he said.
“If someone goes to police to lodge a complaint, police cannot turn them away, that is an offense,” said Malik.
Supreme Court lawyer Sara Hossain said the Penal Code puts bar on police to refuse a case if complainant brings allegations of such major crime.
“Since Limon himself went to file an FIR, refusing him will be a major offense,” she said.
Seven years ago, Limon Hossain had his left leg amputated in a Rab “shootout” and was trying to get a normal life fighting all odds.
“When they attempted to enter our girls hostel, we protested. They pushed me to the ground, beat me up with bamboo sticks,” said Limon, who is now undergoing treatment at Gonoshasthya Hospital.