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The company’s workers block Dhaka road to demand the execution of accused as police prepare blasphemy case
Published : 23 Apr 2025, 03:39 AM
Police say they have taken a Kohinoor Chemicals Company executive into custody over allegations of making "derogatory remarks” about Prophet Muhammad (SM).
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner (Tejgaon Division) Ibne Mizan said preparations are underway to file a case against the official on charges of blasphemy.
The accused, who works as a production executive at the factory, was taken into custody around 8pm on Tuesday under police and army protection.
He was initially brought to Tejgaon Industrial Area Police Station before being moved to the Detective Branch (DB) office on Minto Road.
Mizan said, “Police will file the case, and once the case is filed, he will be shown arrested.”
The controversy surrounding the employee led to a protest by Kohinoor Chemicals workers, who gathered around 3pm on Tuesday at Tibet Crossing in Tejgaon, blocking the road and demanding the man’s trial and execution.
The protest caused severe traffic disruption as thousands of commuters were stuck in long queues on their way home.
The authorities announced the employee’s dismissal shortly after the protest began, but workers continued to block the roads and shouting slogans demanding his execution.
Despite repeated attempts, police were unable to disperse them.
In the afternoon, a large contingent of police, along with army personnel, were deployed in the area, equipped with riot control gear, including water cannons.
Around 7:30pm, the protesters were driven off the main road by the law-enforcers.
Police used whistles and batons to clear workers still gathered in nearby lanes and alleys.
Traffic flow gradually resumed after 8pm.
People in Tejgaon, Gulshan, Niketan, Mohakhali, and adjacent areas endured severe disruption throughout the day due to the prolonged tailbacks.
