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Published : 15 Aug 2025, 03:30 PM
Several people have reportedly been assaulted and harassed at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka over their suspected links to the Awami League, amid tight security on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's death anniversary.
A woman and a rickshaw driver, who had come carrying flowers, were among those attacked on Friday, the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence movement leader's assassination.
Local BNP and Chhatra Dal activists, chanting slogans, allegedly assaulted them and others in full view of the police, according to witnesses. Although a large number of police officers were stationed at the site, they did not intervene to stop the attacks.
Police said they were acting “in accordance with instructions” from the chief advisor’s press secretary.
Dhanmondi Police Station chief Kyashainu Marma, present at the scene in plainclothes, said that the situation was “normal” and that routine security measures had been adopted.
Noting that the Awami League had been banned from conducting political activities, he added: "You must have noted that the press secretary gave us some instructions. We’ll follow those instructions.”
Earlier, on Aug 10, NTV quoted Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam as saying: “Currently, Awami League activities are banned. The killing of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the 15th of August was tragic. But this day is like any of the other 31 days in August. If anyone tries to hold a programme in Dhanmondi or anywhere else, action will be taken against them under the law.”
SECURITY BEEFED UP
As part of extensive security measures taken in anticipation of possible gatherings by Awami League supporters, police installed barbed-wire barricades, blocked vehicle access at two entrances, and deployed armoured vehicles and water cannons.
From Thursday evening, members of the BNP, its student wing Chhatra Dal, and Jamaat-e-Islami's student affiliate Islami Chhatra Shibir began occupying the area, bringing out several processions.
Witnesses said the activists searched anyone they suspected of supporting the Awami League.
Three people were beaten on suspicion of being Awami League supporters and handed over to the police. At one point, the situation turned tense when a Dhaka College Chhatra Shibir leader was assaulted on similar suspicion. The matter was later resolved between the groups.
RICKSHAW DRIVER LEFT IN TEARS
Around 11am, rickshaw driver Azizur Rahman arrived at Road No. 32 with a bouquet on his rickshaw, marked with a sticker that read: “August 15, National Mourning Day.”
The moment he was spotted, a group of leaders and activists swooped on him. One snatched the flowers from him before he was beaten and his rickshaw vandalised. Witnesses said he broke down in tears.
Azizur said he had come from Jatrabari and had spent Tk 400 on the bouquet.
“My money is hard-earned. I have been driving a rickshaw in Dhaka for two years. I came here only because I love Bangabandhu.”
A woman was also beaten and handed over to police, who later released her. Witnesses said another man was also assaulted in the area.
A couple with their three children were also harassed for allegedly being Awami League supporters before police removed them from the scene.
When asked about several people being turned over to police, Kyashainu said:
“At least five people were handed over to us over suspicions of being mobile phone thieves, muggers or members of banned organisations. We’re questioning them and scrutinising the information. We’ll take the necessary measures against them afterwards.”
He added that there was no intelligence about sabotage plans at Dhanmondi Road No. 32.
