A makeshift vaccination centre for measles and rubella was established behind the damaged Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur following a violent attack that left the facility vandalized and looted. Despite the destruction, health workers resumed the immunization programme on Friday morning, providing vaccines to more than 100 children under tarpaulin-covered tables in the open air.
The incident unfolded late Thursday night when over 200 individuals, some armed with locally made weapons and wearing masks, forcefully entered the health centre. They reportedly held two security guards hostage, causing widespread damage, and stole medical equipment, vaccines, medicines, cash, and other property. The group operated under the banner of “Shommona Dokandar Samabay Samity Limited,” according to centre authorities.
Dr. Nasrin Akhter, executive director of the Radda MCH-FP Centre, estimated the financial losses at over Tk 1 crore (approximately $115,000). She has filed a complaint with Shah Ali Police Station, identifying Hanif Mia—a person linked to the cooperative named in the attack—as a suspect. Efforts to locate Hanif or obtain contact information for the cooperative from law enforcement and local residents were unsuccessful.
Local residents alleged that Ferdousy Ahmed Misty, a reserved-seat lawmaker, was connected to the incident. Misty denied involvement, stating she was a former member of the cooperative but was not aware of the attack. She acknowledged knowing Hanif Mia, whom she described as a former member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s metropolitan unit.
The ownership status of the land on which the centre stands remains unclear. Dr. Nasrin noted that the health centre has operated in Mirpur since 1976 under a government agreement but was uncertain whether the cooperative held any legal claim to the land.
Residents expressed distress over the disruption of health services by the attack. With the main facility demolished, children and caregivers were forced to wait outside in uncomfortable conditions. Parents like Halima and Asia Khatun expressed concern over the difficulty of getting their children vaccinated without adequate shelter or space to sit. Community members highlighted the centre’s long-standing role in providing immunization and healthcare over several decades.
Police Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed acknowledged the extent of the destruction and the apparent scale of the attack, noting that it would have required considerable time to carry out. He emphasized the police’s responsibility to prevent such incidents and pledged a thorough investigation into potential negligence. A three-member committee has been formed to examine the police’s handling of the situation.
Authorities have arrested four individuals in connection with the attack: Md Sohel, Md Juel, Jihad Hasan, and Md Rabbi, all aged between 20 and 23. Three of the detainees are reportedly homeless residents near Shah Ali Mazar. Additional suspects remain in custody, and materials suspected to be stolen were recovered from two trucks. Investigations are ongoing.
The attack prompted criticism from Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman, who questioned the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and administrative authorities in preventing the violence. Rahman expressed concern that the assault deprived the local population of essential healthcare services.