Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said an investigation is underway to determine whether there was any police negligence in the vandalism and looting of the private healthcare facility Radda MCH-FP Center in Mirpur, Dhaka.
He made the remarks to reporters after inspecting the site in Mirpur-1 at around 3:45pm on Saturday.
The DMP commissioner said the incident could not have been carried out in half an hour or an hour. Based on his inspection, it appeared that the vandalism took place over a period of time.
He said the tin-shed structures on both sides of the building were damaged and vandalized, while signs of vandalism were found in various parts of the building.
Many data-related equipment and machinery inside the building could not be found, he said. Staff at the institution told police that the items had been taken away.
Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said that after learning of the incident, he instructed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the Mirpur division to take action.
A case has been filed over the incident and 4 people have been arrested. In addition to 1 person named in the case documents, another 200-250 unidentified individuals have also been made accused, and operations are underway to arrest them.
Local BNP leaders have alleged that reserved women's seat Member of Parliament Ferdausi Ahmed (Misti) orchestrated the incident and used police at the time. Locals have also said police were present while the vandalism was taking place.
Responding to questions from reporters, the DMP commissioner said preventing such incidents falls within police responsibility.
He said: “We are looking into whether there was any negligence on the part of our police in this matter. Since this happened late at night, we are examining whether police arrived at the scene in time after being informed, and whether there was any negligence on the part of police.”
Regarding the allegation that the incident occurred in the presence of police, the DMP commissioner said preventing such incidents falls within police responsibility, and whether there was any police negligence in this case is being examined.
He said the incident occurred at around 1:45am. Whether police reached the scene in time after being informed, and whether there was any negligence on the part of police, is under investigation.
For this purpose, a 3-member investigation committee has been formed, headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of the Darus Salam division. The committee has been asked to submit its report by today (Saturday).
If any police member is found negligent in the report, action will also be taken against them.
Regarding allegations of political instigation or involvement of local political figures, the DMP commissioner said the police's position is clear: no party or affiliation will be considered.
“Criminals will be treated as criminals. No form of illegal occupation or unlawful activity will be allowed by anyone. Those who engage in such acts will be brought under the law,” he said.
Asked about allegations made by local BNP leaders against a Member of Parliament, he said: “A case has been filed over the incident and investigation is ongoing. Whoever is found involved in the investigation will be brought under the law.”
