Radda clinic vandalism: Former Chhatra Dal leader arrested 

The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested a former leader of the Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the ruling BNP, in connection with the recent attack, vandalism and looting at the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur-1.

Sazzad Hossain Mishu, 36, who currently serves as vice-president of the Dhaka district unit of the Jatiotabadi Cyber Dal, a technology-focused wing and online activist network supporting the BNP, was arrested in the Aminbazar area yesterday (2 October), DB Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner Rakib Khan said today.

With this arrest, the total number of people arrested in connection with the incident has now risen to 17.

Mishu is a former member of the founding committee of the Shah Ali Police Station unit of the Chhatra Dal.

On 25 September, more than 200 people allegedly attacked, vandalised and looted the private NGO-run clinic, Radda MCH-FP Centre. 

Later, an excavator was used to demolish several structures at the health centre.

Following allegations of police inaction during the attack, Shah Ali Police Station’s then-officer-in-charge Jahangir Alam was withdrawn.

On 30 September, the Dhaka North BNP committee was dissolved after allegations emerged of political involvement in the incident. 

The local Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal committees were also dissolved, while several leaders and activists were expelled.

Ferdousi Ahmed Misty, a reserved-seat lawmaker, also resigned on Thursday (1 October) after allegations of involvement in the incident emerged.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, however, said the investigation into the allegations against her would continue.