Tender dispute leads to stabbing of cancer hospital deputy director; 7 arrested: RAB

The deputy director of the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area was stabbed yesterday following a dispute between two groups over a tender related to the supply of X-ray machine films, according to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

In connection with the incident, law enforcement agencies have arrested seven individuals so far. Among them, five were held by RAB, while two others were arrested by the police, disclosed Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury, director of RAB’s Legal and Media Wing, during a press breifing at RAB Media Centre in Karwan Bazar today (21 April).

Those arrested by RAB have been identified as Shariful Alam Karim, Aminul Islam alias Kalu, Sazzad Badi, Salauddin, and Arifuzzaman.

Meanwhile, police conducted a raid in the Mohakhali area last night and arrested two individuals identified as Yusuf Ali and Nesar Ahmed, said Banani Police Station Officer-in-Charge Faridul Islam.

Speaking at the press briefing, RAB-1 Commander Md Neyamul Halim Khan said a dispute had been ongoing between “Rubel’s EME Traders” and “Monayem Group” over the supply of X-ray machine films to the hospital. 

“Rubel, who is currently in Malaysia, ordered the attack. Karim and others in the country carried out the operation on his behalf. The attack was executed by hired criminals in exchange for only Tk20,000. Based on the nature of the attack, it is believed that it was intended to intimidate rather than to kill,” he said.

Intekhab said that although the main planner behind the incident is currently abroad, efforts are ongoing to bring him under the law.

Yesterday, around 4pm, Dr Ahmad Hossain, deputy director of the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, was stabbed while walking home from the hospital behind the old campus of BRAC University in Mohakhali. He is currently undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. 

In connection with the incident, an administrative officer of the hospital filed a case with Banani Police Station against 8-10 unidentified individuals.