Seven Arrested Over Extortion and Intimidation at Dhaka’s CKID Hospital, Authorities Say

In a late-night operation spanning multiple locations, Bangladesh’s elite security unit has arrested seven people accused of orchestrating an extortion racket and disrupting medical services at a prominent hospital in the capital, officials said on Monday.

The arrests, carried out by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), come after days of mounting concern over safety and order inside the Center for Kidney Diseases and Urology (CKID) hospital in Dhaka’s Shyamoli area. Authorities say the situation had created an atmosphere of fear among both medical staff and patients.

According to RAB, the alleged ringleader, Moin Uddin, was detained from Kalia upazila in Narail district, while the remaining suspects were picked up from different parts of the country during coordinated raids late Sunday night.

Investigators say the incident traces back to Friday morning, when a group led by Uddin reportedly forced their way into the hospital premises, causing significant disruption. Surveillance footage reviewed by authorities shows the group entering restricted areas, including the operation theatre complex—an act considered a serious breach of medical protocol.

During the intrusion, the group is accused of threatening hospital authorities and physically assaulting the on-duty operation theatre in-charge. Medical professionals say the incident not only endangered staff but also risked the safety of patients undergoing critical procedures.

A case was subsequently filed at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, naming Uddin as the principal accused. Following the complaint, RAB launched an investigation, treating the matter as serious due to its implications for public health and institutional security.

Hospital sources allege that the accused had been exerting pressure on authorities for some time. They claim he attempted to force the hospital into procuring medical supplies through him and demanded large sums of money. Such pressure, they say, threatened to disrupt regular medical services.

One of the affected doctors told local media that repeated complaints had been made to relevant authorities, but no effective action was taken earlier, allowing the situation to escalate.

RAB officials say the detainees will be handed over to the police after initial interrogation. The force also reiterated its “zero tolerance” stance against extortion, intimidation, or undue influence in healthcare institutions, warning of strict action against those involved in such activities.

Following the arrests, there are signs of cautious relief among hospital staff and the wider community. However, stakeholders stress that stronger and more effective measures are needed to prevent such incidents in the future.