The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raided in three hospitals in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area and detained 12 including a woman for alleged involvement with taking away patient to another hospital with brokerages.
Later, RAB’s executive magistrate sentenced eight members to various terms of imprisonment while four others were fined.
The drives were conducted from Monday morning until noon in Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), and the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR).
Speaking at a press briefing after the operation, RAB-2 Deputy Commander Squadron Leader Nifaz Rahman said that the broker syndicate had been harassing patients and their relatives by promising faster and better medical services at the three hospitals. The group allegedly lured patients with assurances of expedited consultations and fraudulently collected large sums of money from them.
He further said that the syndicate continued its activities despite repeated warnings issued by the hospital authorities. In addition to displaying warning notices on hospital notice boards, public announcements were made over loudspeakers cautioning brokers against such activities. However, as the harassment of patients continued, RAB-2 intensified its intelligence surveillance at the hospitals to bring those involved to justice.
Based on the intelligence gathered, RAB, accompanied by an executive magistrate, conducted coordinated raids in three hospitals, to identify and take legal action against the suspected brokers. During the operation, 12 alleged brokers, including one woman, were detained, this official said.
Later, RAB Executive Magistrate Kazi Tamzid Ahmed found the detainees guilty based on their confessional statements. Eight were sentenced to varying jail terms, while four were fined.
