Complaint lodged against 42 people

Barishal, 15 August (UNB): A complaint has been filed against 42 people, including Mohiuddin Roni - a key organiser of the health sector reform movement, for allegedly attacking a human-chain programme, organised by the doctors, nurses and staff of Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (Shebachim).

Jewel Chandra Shil, the hospital's ward-master, submitted the complaint at the Kotwali Model Police Station on Thursday night.

Mizanur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kotwali Model Police Station, said they received a written complaint regarding the attack on hospital employees. Further legal actions would be taken in this regard subject to investigation.

Among the accused, 12 were named, with the remaining 30 were listed as unidentified individuals. Named in the complaint were - Mohiuddin Roni, 30, Rakin, 25, Sunan, 24, Sifat, 23, Shamim, 25, Al Musa, 26, former anti-discrimination student leader Sifa, 22, student activist Dayan, 21 (who had reportedly fallen ill following a hunger strike at the hospital), content creators Kafi, 30, Md. Siam alias Nyabhai, 38, H M Abul Khair, 50, and hospital broker Nurun Nahar, 40.

According to the complaint, at around 11:30 am on Thursday (14 August), the hospital staff organised a peaceful human-chain in front of the Shebachim Hospital gate, demanding a fair and safe working environment. Allegedly, the accused arrived armed with knives, iron rods, SS pipes, hockey-sticks, and other makeshift weapons, and launched an attack on the participants.

It was claimed that Mohiuddin Roni struck cleaning worker Rafiqul Patwari on the head with an iron rod, causing severe bleeding and injuries. Several others were also attacked; including office assistant Parvez, whose right hand was fractured; nanny Selina, who suffered an elbow injury; office assistant Rabbi, who sustained a fractured wrist; and cleaning worker Shamsi, who sustained injuries to the hand.

Other victims were cleaners Hasan, Shakib, and Zakaria Rubel, office assistant Faisal Rabbi, ayah Sumrat Mondal, and lift operator Shakil.

Furthermore, it was alleged that female nurses and ayahs were subjected to sexual assault, with their outfits torn during the violence.

Local residents and bystanders rescued the hospital staff from the assailants. After regrouping to resume their human-chain, the victims were once again threatened by the attackers before the latter fled the scene. A total of 11 injured staff members were later admitted to the hospital for treatment.

In response to the incident, the hospital authorities formed a five-member investigation committee, led by its Deputy Director Dr S M Moniruzzaman Shaheen, following an order from the hospital director, Brigadier General A K M Moshiul Munir. The committee was tasked with submitting its findings within seven days.

Meanwhile, Mohiuddin Roni held an emergency press conference on Thursday afternoon on Ashwini Kumar Hall premises on Sadar Road.

He claimed that the hospital staff had attacked their peaceful protest and hunger-strike, and it was instigated by the Health Department Director General.

Despite the violence, Roni affirmed that the health sector reform movement would continue.