Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said anyone using force against Ansar members or committing criminal offences in future will face strict legal action and criminal cases. He made the remarks on Thursday in Rangpur, after a meeting of the management committee of Rangpur Medical College Hospital during a five-day visit. He also announced several measures to improve medical services and security at the hospital.

The minister said complaints had been received that Ansar members are sometimes subjected to force when they try to stop people, and that a recent incident had left them psychologically weakened. He described the hospital as a principal source of treatment for poor, lower-middle-income and middle-income people in the northern region. However, he said mismanagement, corruption and neglect over 17 years had affected the institution.

Dulu said 10 more ICU beds would be added to the existing 10 within two months. CCTV coverage is planned within one month, while high-powered lighting is to be installed within seven days and a police control room established. He also announced plans for ambulance registration and fare charts, additional outsourced staff to curb brokers, and measures to ensure round-the-clock surgical services.