4 policemen closed over Suhrawardy Udyan assault

Four policemen have been closed and are facing disciplinary action for assaulting university students and journalists during an anti-drug drive at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.

The "unwanted incident," as Ramna Zone's Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Mir Asaduzzaman put it, took place on Tuesday (Feb 24) night at Suhrawardy Udyan.


“Measures are being taken against four police members found responsible,” he said, adding that the anti-drug operations would continue.

Students of Dhaka University demanded exemplary punishment for the officers involved, including Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam and several constables.

On Tuesday afternoon, students staged a protest and briefly laid siege to the Shahbagh police station, giving authorities a 24-hour ultimatum to take action.

They alleged that innocent people were harassed under the pretext of an anti-narcotics drive and called for such practices to stop.

According to witnesses and video footage widely shared on social media, policemen led by Masud conducted the operation in the park.

Clips circulating online appear to show officers beating individuals inside the park. Journalists covering the operation also alleged they were assaulted while gathering news.

Police have not publicly detailed the specific allegations against each of the four officers but say internal measures are under way.