Dhaka University students took to the streets in front of Shahbagh Police Station yesterday, demanding justice following a police assault on a DU student during an anti-narcotic operation at Suhrawardy Udyan. The students gathered from 1:00pm to 2:00pm and later a group of demonstrators met with a senior police official.
The incident occurred on Monday night when Nayem Uddin, a student from DU’s anthropology department and the convener of Biplabi Chhatra Jubo Andolon’s Dhaka Metropolitan unit, along with two journalists, were reportedly assaulted by the police. In response to the protests by DU students calling for the removal of Masud Alam, deputy commissioner of the Ramna division, four police personnel were withdrawn from their duties.
During the demonstration, Nayem raised concerns about the presence of drug syndicates at Suhrawardy Udyan despite the proximity of the Shahbagh Police Station. He highlighted the media attention and support garnered due to his status as a DU student, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic rights for all citizens in the country.
The students demanded an end to what they described as excessive policing on campus and throughout the city, immediate legal action against the perpetrators of the assault, and the establishment of an investigative committee to look into the incident. Following a meeting between Additional Deputy Commissioner Asaduzzaman and the protest representatives, the students left the police station premises.
Nayem stated that they had requested a formal statement from the police authorities within 24 hours and reiterated the call for Masud Alam’s removal. A viral video showed Nayem being physically assaulted by a policeman during a confrontation with DC Masud, who claimed they were trying to conduct a search.
Amidst the protests, the Anthropology Department students demanded a public apology from Shahbagh Police Station, along with the formation of a probe committee and the suspension of DC Masud during the investigation. The Ducsu issued a statement condemning the police attack, emphasizing the violation of human rights.
The Bangladesh Chhatra Federation, Dhaka University unit, expressed solidarity with the protesting students, while the Gonotantrik Chhatra Jote organized a rally denouncing the incident. DC Masud confirmed the withdrawal of four officers involved in the assault and mentioned ongoing disciplinary actions against them, with efforts to identify additional personnel responsible for excessive force.
The police response followed the circulation of multiple video clips of the altercation on social media, sparking widespread criticism.