BRUR teacher’s arrest sparks uproar; OC transferred in aftermath

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hajirhat Police Station, Abdul Al Mamun Shah, has been transferred amid growing controversy over the arrest of a Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) faculty member in connection with the death of a local shopkeeper.

Mahmudul Haque, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at BRUR, was arrested on Thursday (June 19) in a case linked to the death of grocery store owner Shomes Uddin. Uddin reportedly died of a heart attack after being chased by police during the July Movement in Rangpur city.

Following Haque's arrest, university students and faculty staged demonstrations, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. Protesters claimed the arrest was unjust and part of a broader suppression of democratic rights. Civil society members, including prominent citizens, intellectuals, and human rights activists, issued statements condemning the arrest and called for Haque's prompt release.

In the midst of the unrest, the Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RpMP) announced the transfer of OC Abdul Al Mamun Shah. In an official order signed by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Majid Ali, Mamun was reassigned to the Detective Branch (DB), while Inspector Rajibul Islam from the DB was appointed as the new OC of Hajirhat Police Station.

Commissioner Majid Ali clarified that the transfer was part of a routine reshuffling within the police department and not related to the recent protests or Haque’s arrest.

Meanwhile, Haque's bail hearing is scheduled for today (Sunday) afternoon at the Rangpur court. Since morning, students have gathered in front of the courthouse, carrying banners and chanting slogans such as “Free Mahmudul Haque,” “No interference with democratic rights,” and “Stop case trading over the July Movement.”

The situation continues to draw attention from across the academic and civil society spheres as calls for justice grow louder.