Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan has announced the withdrawal of the officer-in-charge (OC) of Sadar Police Station following allegations of negligence in handling the recent attack on student activists of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
Speaking at a protest gathering in front of the District Commissioner�s office on Saturday afternoon, the police commissioner publicly apologized for the incident, admitting law enforcement's failure to respond promptly.
"On behalf of the police force, I sincerely apologize for what happened last night. I accept our shortcomings. No attacker will be spared, and every assault will be answered with justice. Action will be taken against any officers who failed to respond in time," he stated.
Earlier in the day, student activists blocked Rajbari Road, protesting Friday night�s attack in the Dhirashram area of Gazipur City Corporation. The protesters claimed that they had attempted to intervene in an alleged looting at the residence of former Liberation War Affairs Minister A.K.M. Mozammel Haque but were instead assaulted, leaving several injured.
Commissioner Khan acknowledged reports that the OC had responded two hours late and vowed immediate action. "I stand here and declare that he will be suspended. Those who conspire with fascist forces have no place in the police force," he added.
Furthermore, he warned that those responsible for oppression over the past 17 years would not be tolerated. "Sixteen individuals have already been arrested, and a sweeping overnight operation will be conducted to bring all perpetrators to justice. The Home Ministry has taken decisive action, and �Operation Devil Hunt� will be launched to suppress Awami fascism," he stated.
The commissioner�s speech was delivered in the presence of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement convenor Hasnat Abdullah, central coordinator Sarjis Alam, and other protest leaders.
Student activists reiterated their stance, stating that following vandalism incidents in Dhaka�s Dhanmondi area, they had urged residents to report any similar events. When they received information about an attack and looting at the former minister�s residence, they rushed to intervene, only to be assaulted in the process.
The protest blocked traffic for hours before dispersing around 5:00 PM, following the commissioner�s assurances of action.
