Traffic sergeant, who bowed to BNP leader Rizvi, withdrawn

A traffic sergeant of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has been withdrawn after a video showing him touching the feet of BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi went viral on social media.

The officer, identified as Sergeant Md Ariful Islam of the Traffic Mirpur Division, has been withdrawn on Friday evening citing “administrative reasons,” according to an official order signed by Deputy Commissioner (Traffic-Mirpur) Gautam Kumar Biswas.

"Ariful was withdrawn for administrative reasons with approval from higher authorities," he said.

The order took immediate effect but did not mention the incident.

Earlier in the day, Sergeant Ariful greeted Rizvi by touching his feet as the BNP leader was getting into his car after attending an event in Dhaka. The video sparked widespread discussion and criticism online.

DMP official Gautam Kumar Biswas clarified that Ariful was withdrawn for being absent from his designated duty post and has been attached to DMP Headquarters.

“The incident in the Tejgaon area, which is being discussed, will also be investigated. A probe committee will be formed to look into the matter,” he added.