RAB conducts drive at 3 govt hospitals in city

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained 13 suspected brokers, including women, during a drive at three government hospitals in the capital.

Deputy Commander of RAB-2, Squadron Leader Nifaz Rahman, disclosed the development to the media at a press briefing on Monday.

He said RAB-2 conducted the drive at the Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Institute, and the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Nitor) in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area on Monday morning.

Intelligence information indicated that an organised broker syndicate had been causing harassment to patients at the hospitals. The objective of the drive was to identify and arrest members of the broker syndicate, ensure their exemplary punishment through mobile court, raise public awareness, and help create a transparent and patient-friendly environment.

He added that the drive was carried out based on confidential information, resulting in the detention of 13 brokers. Mobile court executive magistrates would take further legal actions against them.

Acting Director of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Dr Nanda Dulal Saha, said the hospital administration cooperated during the drive, and such operations by RAB make their work easier.

Asked whether any hospital staff member was involved or not, he said no evidence had been found against the government employees.

The identities of those detained were not immediately available.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com