4 police officers ‘withdrawn’ over Suhrawardy Udyan assault on student, journalists

The move follows a demonstration by DU students, who surrounded the Shahbagh Police Station following the attack

Four policemen have been withdrawn from their duties following the alleged assault on a Dhaka University student and two journalists during a raid at the Suhrawardy Udyan.

The incident, which occurred on Monday night, sparked protests outside the Shahbagh Police Station on Tuesday.

Dhaka University students laid a siege to the police station, demanding punishment for the policemen involved in the assault.

Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam confirmed the action, saying: “The four have been closed, and the process to take departmental action has been initiated.”

The victims included Dhaka University student Naim Uddin and two journalists, 25-year-old Tofael Ahmed of Banglanews24.com and 27-year-old Kawsar Ahmed Ripon of Ajker Patrika.

A video circulating on social media showed a group of police officers indiscriminately striking Tofael with batons.

He was later rescued by other officers and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.