NIRCH deputy director stabbed in Mohakhali

Criminals stabbed a deputy director of the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH) in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area yesterday afternoon.

The injured was identified as Ahmed Hossain, 50. The incident occurred around 3:30pm near the old campus of BRAC University.

Confirming the matter, Deputy Commissioner of Gulshan Division M Tanvir Ahamed told The Daily Star that police visited the spot after the attack.

Efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved, he said.

Police said Ahmed was returning home from the hospital when two to three assailants attacked him, stabbing him in his right hand and back before fleeing the scene.

NICRH Director Mostafa Aziz Sumon said Ahmed initially received treatment at the cancer hospital but was later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital as he sustained multiple injuries.

The motive behind the attack is still unclear, with police investigating, he said.

Asked whether the assault was linked to tender-related issues, he said that Ahmed is the key person for such work at the hospital and those involved in tender matters often receive threatening phone calls.

Whether yesterday’s attack is connected to that will be known after the investigation, he added.

Faridul Islam, the officer-in-charge of Banani Police Station, said they have collected CCTV footage from the spot and nearby areas. Police could not yet ascertain the reason behind the attack as they have not been able to talk to the injured.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain visited NICRH following the incident and assured prompt action to arrest the culprits.