The attack on Ghoraghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Wahida Khanam was not an attempted robbery, but deliberately carried out to harm her, said the Bangladesh Administrative Services Association (BASA) on Saturday
Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka, the association’s leaders also demanded the deployment of Ansar for the security of all administrative officials across Bangladesh.
UNO Wahida Khanam was critically injured in a hammer attack by miscreants early Thursday. Quoting the prime suspect, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said the attackers went to the UNO’s house to attempt robbery.
“Some quarters are trying to divert attention away from the incident by saying it was an isolated incident and an attempted robbery. But the association thinks it was not an incident of theft, because the miscreants did not steal anything,” BASA President Helaluddin Ahmed, also senior secretary to the local government, said at the press conference.
“It was a planned attack and many people may have been involved,” he added.
Describing Wahida as an honest and fearless officer, he said some vested quarters may have carried out the attack as she refused to overlook their illegal actions.
“The facts will come out if the matter is properly investigated,” said Helaluddin.
BASA Secretary General and Public Administration Secretary, Sheikh Yusuf Harun, said some people were angry at Wahida because of some recent eviction drives carried out by the UNO.
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BASA leaders said the association has formed an observation committee that will provide opinions and observations to the investigation team.
Wahida can feel, yet to regain strength
UNO Wahida Khanam, who is currently undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINH), can feel but is yet to regain her strength, said doctors.
After visiting Wahida at the hospital, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Vice Chancellor, Prof Kanak Kanti Barua, said she is not yet able to move her right hand and leg.
“When she first arrived here, her blood pressure and pulse was not okay. After the surgery, she can now say her name and speak. Currently, she can feel but has no strength,” he told reporters.
The UNO’s situation will improve fast if there is no infection, he added.
Dr Badrul Alam, joint director of the hospital, said Wahida’s right side is still paralyzed.
The situation will be reviewed after 72 hours, he added.
Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam also visited the UNO on Saturday.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered that everything required be done for Wahida’s treatment, and that there should be a speedy trial of the culprits,” he said.
