Court orders 'Nobin Fashion' to reopen within 24 hrs, issues show-cause notice to OC

A Dhaka court has issued a show-cause notice to the Officer-in-Charge of Hatirjhil Police Station over the alleged inaction of police during the forced closure of a panjabi showroom named 'Nobin Fashion' in the capital's Magbazar area. The court has also ordered the shop to be reopened within 24 hours.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman passed the order on Wednesday, March 25.

The show-cause notice stated that media reports showed a group of individuals, accompanied by police, pressured the panjabi store of the 'Nobin' brand located in Bishal Centre Market in Magbazar to shut down. Unruly behaviour by some individuals was also observed during the incident.

The notice further noted that police personnel present at the scene were seen standing idly by, which could create fear among the public. The OC has been asked to explain why such conduct should not be considered illegal and unprofessional.

The court has also ordered that the 'Nobin Fashion' store be reopened within 24 hours and that the details of those involved in the incident be submitted to the court.

According to reports, on Friday, March 20, a video circulated on social media showing that the store was forced to close by some neighbouring business owners who objected to its practice of selling panjabis at lower prices. The business owners reportedly compared selling at lower prices to "distributing relief". Police present at the scene allegedly took no action at the time.