Summary:
- A police officer was suspended for attempting to clear former Law Minister Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman, and ex-Major General Ziaul Ahsan from murder charges in two high-profile cases.
- The officer bypassed protocols, concealed his Detective Branch affiliation, and submitted unauthorized final reports to the court.
- The cases relate to the killings of Sabuj Mia and Md. Shah-Jahan Mia during anti-discrimination protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s government’s fall in August.
- A reinvestigation is underway, with victims’ families demanding justice amid allegations of political interference in law enforcement.
In a significant development, a police investigation officer has been temporarily suspended for allegedly attempting to absolve high-profile individuals, including former Law Minister Anisul Huq and ex-adviser Salman F Rahman, from murder charges in two cases linked to the violent anti-discrimination student movement in Bangladesh. The cases pertain to the killings of Sabuj Mia and Md. Shah-Jahan Mia during protests on July 16 near Dhaka’s New Market area.
The officer, Jahangir Arif, an inspector with the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), reportedly bypassed established protocols by concealing his DB affiliation and presenting himself as a New Market Police Station inspector while submitting final reports to the court. These reports sought to clear Huq, Rahman, and retired Major General Ziaul Ahsan of any involvement in the murders. The attempt was intercepted before reaching the court, prompting a reinvestigation into the cases.
According to police sources, Arif violated procedural norms by failing to secure approvals from senior DB officials before preparing and submitting the reports. Instead, he allegedly acted under instructions from Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sanjida Afrin, who has denied issuing any such directive. Afrin’s prior involvement in controversies related to police misconduct has further fueled scrutiny.
The murders occurred amid widespread anti-government protests that erupted over perceived discrimination and inequality. Sabuj Mia was reportedly beaten to death, while Md. Shah-Jahan Mia was fatally shot during clashes involving students and law enforcement. The cases were filed by Sabuj’s cousin and Shah-Jahan’s mother on July 17, following the discovery of their bodies.
The fallout from these incidents has been profound. The protests, which began as a student-led movement demanding reforms in job allocation systems, escalated into nationwide unrest that ultimately led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5. Reports indicate that over 850 people lost their lives during the protests, with many killed in violent confrontations involving law enforcement.
Both Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman were arrested shortly after the government’s fall and have since faced multiple charges. Huq, a prominent lawyer and former minister, played key roles in high-profile legal cases during his tenure. Rahman, a business magnate and former adviser to Hasina, held significant influence within the previous administration.
The DMP has reassigned the investigation to DB inspector Monirul Islam, who confirmed efforts are underway to apprehend those implicated in obstructing justice. Meanwhile, DMP officials have emphasized their commitment to ensuring accountability within the force. Additional Commissioner Rezaul Karim Mallik stated that disciplinary actions are being pursued against all involved parties.
The controversy underscores broader concerns about law enforcement practices during Hasina’s administration. Human rights organizations have documented extensive abuses during the protests, including excessive use of force by police and paramilitary units. Calls for accountability have intensified as details of these incidents continue to emerge.
As investigations proceed, victims’ families demand justice for their loved ones. Shah-Jahan’s mother expressed frustration over alleged manipulation of legal processes, stating: “My son was murdered in cold blood. We want those responsible to be held accountable.”
This case highlights ongoing challenges within Bangladesh’s justice system and raises questions about political interference in law enforcement operations. The outcome of these investigations will likely have significant implications for public trust in governance and rule of law in the country.
Source: Prothomalo
