A group of students from Dhaka University organized a protest outside Shahbagh Police Station today, calling for the dismissal of Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam to ensure a fair investigation into an alleged police attack on a fellow student. The students, part of the ‘Anthropology Against Repression’ group, demanded the formation of an independent investigation committee to seek justice for Naim Uddin, a DU student and leader of Biplabi Chhatra Jubo Andolon, who was reportedly assaulted by the police on February 23.
The protesters, who initiated the demonstration from the Raju Sculpture around 1:00pm, had previously held a rally on February 24 where they demanded a public apology from the police. They also sought the establishment of an unbiased probe committee to look into the incident involving Naim, as well as disciplinary actions against Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam and other officers allegedly involved.
Despite setting a 24-hour ultimatum for the authorities to address their grievances, the students claimed that no action had been taken post-deadline. Ania Fahmin, a student from the Department of Anthropology, emphasized the necessity of removing DC Masud from his position to ensure a transparent investigation, citing that the incident occurred under his supervision, which could potentially impede a fair inquiry.
Ania highlighted the students’ failed attempt to lodge a verbal complaint with the police on February 24 regarding the assault on Naim, stating that the complaint was not accepted as per the standard procedure. She mentioned their intention to officially file a complaint and submit a memorandum to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Furthermore, Ania raised concerns about previous incidents involving DC Masud, alleging that in past democratic movements, students had been subjected to attacks reportedly orchestrated by him. She questioned the lack of accountability towards Masud despite multiple accusations, emphasizing the need for his accountability in such instances.