I was at CMH on September 25 night, allegations of involvement in Radda Centre attack baseless: Papel

Former Dhaka Metropolitan North Jubo Dal member secretary Mostafa Jaglul Pasha Papel has denied any involvement in the attack, vandalism and looting at the Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur on the night of September 25.

Strongly condemning and protesting reports published in the media linking him to the incident, Papel issued a statement denying the allegations.

In the statement, Mostafa Jaglul Pasha Papel said he learned at around midnight on September 25 that his maternal aunt had died at Dhaka Combined Military Hospital (CMH). He then left Panthapath for CMH with his wife, children and other family members.

After entering the cantonment through Jahangir Gate with permission from military police, they reached CMH and completed the formalities concerning the body with family members. After the body was placed in the mortuary, they left the hospital at around 3:00am to 3:15am.

Papel said the information regarding his whereabouts at the time of the incident can easily be verified through law enforcement agencies and the administration. He said CCTV footage from Jahangir Gate and the cantonment area, records of his entry and stay at CMH, security information, as well as location and technical data from his mobile phone could establish the truth.

Regarding the absence of his statement in the report, he said he was unable to respond to calls or messages from the media in time due to family bereavement and professional commitments. However, he questioned the basis for portraying him as the person who ordered the attack in a “white microbus” in the absence of any eyewitness, video footage or specific evidence.

Papel strongly urged the prime minister, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the relevant administration to conduct an impartial investigation into the attack on the Radda health centre.

He called for the actual attackers, planners and those behind the incident to be identified and brought to justice. At the same time, he urged the authorities to ensure that no innocent person is harassed for political or personal interests.