Complaint lodged against 42 people over Barishal hospital clash

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 doctors, nurses, and staff of Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

Jewel Chandra Shil, the hospital's ward master, submitted the complaint at the Kotwali Model Police Station last night (14 August).

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

Among the accused, 12 have been named, with the remaining 30 listed as unidentified individuals.

Named in the complaint are 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, HM Abul Khair, 50, and hospital broker Nurun Nahar, 40.

According to the complaint, yesterday around 11:30am, 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 is 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 Shamis, who sustained injuries to the hand.

Other victims are cleaning workers Hasan, Shakib, Zakaria Rubel, office assistant Faisal Rabbi, ayah Sumrat Mondal, and lift operator Shakil.

Furthermore, it has been alleged that female nurses and ayahs were subjected to sexual assault, with their salwar-kameez 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 have formed a five-member investigative committee, led by Deputy Director Dr SM Moniruzzaman Shaheen, as per an order from the hospital director, Brigadier General AKM Moshiul Munir.

The committee has been tasked with submitting its findings within seven days.

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

He claimed that hospital staff had attacked their peaceful protest and hunger strike.

He further alleged that the incident was instigated by the Director General of the Health Department.

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