Quota protesters on Sunday conducted violent attack at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the capital and torched and vandalised 52 vehicles and other property of the hospital.
The vandalism and arson caused widespread panic among patients and healthcare workers and forced many doctors and healthcare workers to flee the hospital.
Witnesses reported that anti-quota people gathered at Shahbagh intersection around 10:30 AM, while Awami League and Chhatra League activists assembled in front of BSMMU. Tensions escalated when the Awami League and Chhatra League members raised slogans, prompting students to chase them into the hospital premises.
The anti-quota members broke through the gate, dispersing the Awami League and Chhatra League activists. This led to a clash involving stone-throwing. At one stage, vandals destroyed and set fire to at least 52 vehicles, including ambulances, buses, private cars, and motorcycles within the university.
The news of the fire caused chaos among patients and their relatives. In the ensuing panic, many patients and healthcare workers fled, leaving the hospital grounds in a state of disarray.
Sohel Hossain, a patient's relative, described the attack as: “My patient is admitted in D Block. I was waiting for an outdoor test when we heard loud crashing noises. Everyone scattered and ran. I ran outside, leaving my patient behind. I don't know their condition now.”
Another relative, Mehdi Hasan, shared a similar experience: “We came from Faridpur for my patient's heart problem. When we saw the vandalism and smoke, we panicked and ran inside the hospital.”
According to hospital sources, vandals damaged patient records, looted money from ticket counters, and attacked doctors, injuring several healthcare workers and patients.
BSMMU officials noted that the gates had been closed in anticipation of the protests. However, around 11:00 AM, a group forced their way inside, leading to a chaotic and dangerous situation.
Prashant Kumar Majumder, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of BSMMU, confirmed the extent of the damage: “At least 52 vehicles were vandalized and ablazed. Protesters also damaged the administrative building and A, B, C, and D Blocks. Eight people, including doctors and officials, were injured, with one person in critical condition in the ICU.”
Firefighter Zisan Rahman from Palashi Fire Station described the challenges in reaching the scene: “Security protocols delayed our response. With the help of students, we eventually brought the fire under control. The extent of the damage and the number of vehicles burned will be detailed in a later report.”
Professor Dr Mohammed Atiqur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of BSMMU, condemned the violence: “A hospital is a place of social service. Vandalism and arson in such an institution are unacceptable. This situation will lead to a shortage of doctors and healthcare workers, making it impossible to provide adequate care.”
Professor Dr Md Moniruzzaman Khan, Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) of BSMMU, stated that the university would file a case against the perpetrators.
Assistant Professor Dr Sheikh Md Abdullah Al Mamun, Deputy Director (Estate) of BSMMU, provided further details: “Motorcycles in D Block were the first to be set on fire, followed by other vehicles. Vandals then damaged the information desk and attempted to enter the administrative building, causing extensive damage.”
Students of the anti-discrimination movement have been accused of starting the fire, but protesters denied these allegations, claiming that Awami League and Chhatra League members were responsible. Awami League and Chhatra League have yet to comment on these accusations.
In response to the incident, BSMMU has indefinitely postponed all exams. The university announced this decision on its website on Sunday afternoon.
Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen condemned the attack, stating that violence in hospitals is unacceptable and urging all parties to refrain from such actions.
