In a disturbing breach of institutional security, Professor Dr. Quazi Ahmed Zaki, the Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), was physically assaulted inside his official chamber in Mohakhali, Dhaka, on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 11:00 am when a group of intruders forcibly entered his office and subjected him to physical violence.
According to reports and verified footage of the incident, Professor Zaki was conducting an official meeting with colleagues when eight to nine individuals stormed into the room without authorization. Without engaging in prior discussion, the group violently pulled the director out of his chair and began assaulting him. The perpetrators fled the scene shortly after the attack, leaving administrative staff in shock.
Following the incident, Professor Zaki alleged that activists affiliated with the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB), a pro-BNP physicians' organization, were responsible for organizing the assault. The IEDCR serves as Bangladesh's primary public health authority tasked with monitoring disease outbreaks, conducting epidemiological research, and issuing health advisories. The institute works closely with global health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making the security breach a matter of serious policy concern.
Professor Zaki, an accomplished public health researcher who recently led studies on measles vaccine efficacy, was appointed as director following recent administrative appointments. Responding to the allegations, DAB President Professor Harun Al Rashid confirmed the occurrence of the incident, remarking that certain administrative issues involving the director had contributed to the escalation. However, public health experts and civic observers have voiced concern over the use of violence within key government institutions.
In response to the attack, administrative and security measures around the IEDCR facility have been intensified. Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the video footage to confirm the identities of the assailants and hold those responsible accountable under the law.
