Expulsion not enough, legal action needed: Dr Shafiq

Organisational action or expulsion from the party alone is not enough, and people want to see visible and credible legal action against those responsible for the attack, vandalism and looting at the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Thursday.

He made the remarks in a post on his verified Facebook page following the government and ruling party's organisational action over the incident.

Dr Shafiq said organisational measures had finally been taken over the incident at the health centre but such action was not sufficient for what he described as a serious offence.

He called for legal action against those responsible and said strict punishment should be ensured through due legal proceedings.

"People want to see visible and credible legal action," he said in the post.

The Jamaat chief also urged the government to take responsibility for sustainably rebuilding the health centre, which was damaged and looted during the incident.

The Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur was attacked on September 24, with reports of vandalism and looting at the facility. Parts of the centre were later demolished using heavy machinery.

The incident drew allegations involving BNP reserved-seat MP Ferdousi Ahmed Mishti. Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman later instructed her to resign from Parliament, according to reports.

Dr Shafiq's remarks came amid continued political and public calls for accountability over the incident.