by 
Sunanda Sarkar, a resident of the capital’s Kamalapur area, faced a terrifying ordeal while visiting her ailing husband at Mugda Medical College and Hospital. As she entered a hospital elevator with food for her husband, a group of armed youths brandished homemade weapons and threatened, “Hand over whatever you have, or you’ll end up a patient yourself.” Within moments, they robbed her of her mobile phone, wallet, and cash before fleeing as the elevator doors opened. The incident, occurring in broad daylight, left Sunanda and others in the elevator traumatized.
Another victim shared a similar experience: “My daughter is admitted to the pediatric ward. In the evening, I was in the elevator with another person when they took everything, including the medicines I was carrying.”
A visit to Mugda Hospital revealed glaring security lapses. While a lone Ansar guard is stationed at the main gate, they are often seen wandering around. Near the emergency department, teenagers were spotted filming TikTok videos, and local gatherings were common around the hospital premises. Inside, only one security guard was present near the duty doctor’s room, leaving the rest of the floors unguarded. A large, dimly lit floor near the emergency department, cluttered with broken chairs and tables, has become a hangout spot for locals. The hospital’s three elevators—one reserved for doctors and two for patients and visitors—lack CCTV cameras, and the floors remain poorly lit even during the day.
Victims’ complaints to police or hospital authorities are reportedly ignored, with no visible efforts to increase security or conduct raids. A fruit vendor near the hospital, Md. Sohel, confirmed, “Armed gang displays are routine here. Robberies happen daily, mostly by teenage gangs.” He declined to identify the perpetrators.
On Friday afternoon, this reporter witnessed a group of 40-50 teenage gang members brandishing sharp weapons and sticks inside the hospital. Local residents intervened to diffuse the situation, but a nearby police patrol vehicle remained unmanned. Patients and their families are increasingly fearful, with unchecked gang activity, daytime robberies, and inadequate lighting fueling insecurity.
Hospital Director Dr. Mezbahur Rahman refused to comment on the robberies, stating over the phone, “I can’t talk so much. I’m on leave; let me rest.” Meanwhile, Mugda Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Md. Sajedur Rahman, acknowledged the incidents but claimed, “Robberies have decreased significantly, and the situation is manageable.” He added that police conduct regular patrols and take immediate action when incidents occur.
Locals report that multiple teenage gangs operate around the hospital, engaging in loitering, drug use, video shoots, and robberies. The hospital’s 40-60 watt lights are insufficient to illuminate its vast spaces. One resident said, “We’re scared to seek treatment here. Those who can afford it go to Dhaka Medical or private hospitals.”
The unchecked crime and lack of accountability at Mugda Hospital highlight a grim reality in the heart of the capital, leaving patients and visitors vulnerable in a place meant for healing.
