Shafiqur urges stern punishment for Mishti

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday said organisational action alone was not enough over the attack on the RADDA MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1, demanding legal proceedings and strict punishment for those responsible.

He made the call after the BNP asked its reserved-seat lawmaker Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti to resign from parliament over the incident.

In a Facebook post, Shafiqur said the government and the ruling party had finally been compelled to take organisational measures. “The people want to see visible and credible legal action,” he said.

Shafiqur also urged the government to take responsibility for rebuilding the health centre on a sustainable basis. The facility was attacked, looted and demolished on September 25.

He had earlier visited the damaged centre and announced Tk 50 lakh in assistance for its reconstruction and the resumption of healthcare services.

Mishti has denied any involvement, and an investigation into allegations concerning her role is ongoing.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Wednesday that investigators were examining allegations involving a lawmaker and that action would be taken if the person’s involvement was established.

According to reports, a large group entered the RADDA premises, looted medicines and medical equipment, and used heavy machinery to demolish parts of the facility. Police have arrested several people in connection with the incident. The officer-in-charge of Shah Ali Police Station was withdrawn following allegations of police negligence.