Tensions Flare Between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami Supporters Following Meherpur General Hospital Inspection

Tension erupted between activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami in Meherpur on Wednesday following a hospital inspection visit by Member of Parliament and District Jamaat Amir Tajuddin Khan. The altercation, which began at Meherpur General Hospital and later shifted to a nearby electricity office, was brought under control following the intervention of local police.

The incident was triggered around 11:30 a.m. when Tajuddin Khan arrived at the hospital to investigate widespread allegations of irregularities, physician shortages, and the influence of middlemen. During the inspection, Jamaat activists allegedly identified and assaulted Rakibul Islam, a local BNP worker, suspecting him of acting as a broker. Following the assault, supporters of the BNP mobilized in protest, surrounding an adjacent West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCL) office where the lawmaker had gone to discuss hospital electricity supplies.

Rakibul Islam, who claimed to be working as a trainee staff member at the hospital for the past month, alleged that he was assaulted by Sarwar Hossain, a bodyguard for the MP. He maintained that he was unfairly targeted and denied the allegations of being a broker. Conversely, District Jamaat General Secretary Iqbal Hossain asserted that the lawmaker was attempting to curb hospital mismanagement, and that the BNP workers had attempted to attack them after they tried to hand over a suspected broker to the police.

Saiful Islam, General Secretary of the Meherpur Sadar Upazila BNP, condemned the assault and criticized the hospital administration for the prevailing crisis, including severe drug and doctor shortages. He argued that the inspection visit served only to stir unnecessary chaos.

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Hospital Superintendent Sajjat Hossain confirmed that temporary trainee workers were hired to maintain services in the new hospital building due to severe staffing shortages. He denied allegations of systemic irregularities or support for brokers and stated that the administration is investigating the incident to take appropriate disciplinary action.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sadar Police Station Humayun Kabir confirmed that additional police forces were deployed to the area upon receiving reports of the confrontation. He reported that the situation has since returned to normal and remains under control.