DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed stated that preventing the vandalism and looting at the private health facility ‘Radda MCH-FP Center’ in Mirpur, Dhaka, fell within the scope of police responsibility. He affirmed that strict action would be taken against any police personnel found to have been negligent or remiss in their duties regarding this incident.

Asserting that those involved in the vandalism would not be spared, the Dhaka police chief declared that political affiliations or ideologies would not be considered; a criminal would be treated simply as a criminal. He added that anyone responsible for such acts would be brought to justice.

DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed made these remarks while responding to journalists after inspecting the damaged health center—located at Mirpur-1—on Saturday (September 26) afternoon.

The Shah Ali Police Station is situated just one kilometer away from the scene of the incident. Addressing allegations that the vandalism occurred in the presence of the police, the DMP Commissioner noted that the incident took place around 1:45 AM. He stated that an investigation is underway to determine whether the police arrived at the scene promptly after receiving the report and if there was any negligence or lapse in duty. To this end, a three-member investigation committee has been formed, headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of the Darussalam zone.

Mosleh Uddin Ahmed further stated that the committee has been instructed to submit its report within the day. Strict action will be taken against any police personnel found to have been negligent or remiss during the investigation.

The DMP Commissioner remarked that such an incident could not have been carried out within a mere half-hour or hour. Upon inspecting the site, he formed the impression that the act was deliberate and time-consuming; notably, the tin-shed structures on both sides of the building were damaged and vandalized, and signs of vandalism were evident in various parts of the building. Mosleh Uddin Ahmed stated that many pieces of data-related equipment and machinery from inside the building are missing; representatives of the organization confirmed that these items had been removed.

The DMP Commissioner mentioned that upon learning of the incident, he instructed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the Mirpur Division; a case has been filed, and four individuals have been arrested. Additionally, 200 to 250 unidentified persons—in addition to those specifically named in the complaint—have been implicated, and operations to arrest them are underway.

Addressing allegations of instigation by local political figures or a Member of Parliament, the DMP Commissioner stated that the police’s stance is clear: political affiliation or ideology will not be considered; a criminal will be treated simply as a criminal. No one will be permitted to engage in land grabbing or any illegal or unlawful activities; those who do so will be brought to justice.

Earlier, around midnight last Thursday, a group of over 200 masked individuals armed with locally made weapons attacked the health center. The attackers held security guards hostage, bound their hands and feet, and looted valuable medical equipment, medicines, vaccines, and cash. Subsequently, they used heavy machinery to demolish the entire facility, including one concrete building and three semi-permanent structures.

Allegations have surfaced that the attack was carried out under the banner of an organization named ‘Somomona Dokandar Somobay Samity Limited’ (Like-minded Shopkeepers’ Cooperative Society Ltd.). Nasrin Akhtar, the Executive Director of the institution, stated that the damages exceed Tk 1 crore. She filed a case at Shah Ali Police Station regarding the incident.