Play store
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered BNP reserved-seat lawmaker Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti to resign over the attack, looting and demolition of the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur, Dhaka.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli confirmed the development on Thursday (October 1). Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon also confirmed the matter to the media.
The move comes amid an ongoing investigation into the September 25 attack on the health centre and allegations of involvement by local political figures. The Daily Star reported on Thursday that the alleged involvement of an MP was being investigated, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said no one would be spared if involvement was established.
The Radda MCH-FP Centre, located in Mirpur-1, has been providing reproductive health, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, vaccination and other services to disadvantaged and low-income people since 1974.
The centre was attacked around midnight on September 24. More than 200 masked people allegedly entered the premises carrying locally made weapons and tools and held two security guards hostage.
The attackers allegedly looted medical equipment, medicines, vaccines, cash and other valuables before using heavy machinery to demolish the facility. One permanent and three semi-permanent buildings were brought down. Police later arrested several people in connection with the incident, while investigations also found evidence of police negligence during the attack.
A signboard bearing the name “Somomona Dokandar Samabay Samity Limited” was subsequently installed on the premises.
Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti has been named in allegations surrounding the incident, although she previously denied involvement. Local reports have linked her to the cooperative organisation whose signboard was put up at the site.
The incident has triggered widespread criticism from political parties, civil society groups and other organisations.
Despite the demolition, limited healthcare services have continued from the site amid the debris.
The Radda centre authorities earlier estimated the damage from the attack and demolition at more than Tk 1 crore.