Child Slapped While Crying as Father Taken Away by Police

Police arrested a man named Rustam in Geneva Camp, Mohammadpur, the capital, on charges of involvement in drug dealing. During the arrest, his seven- to eight-year-old daughter clung to him and cried. At that moment, someone in the crowd slapped the child. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media.

Following criticism of the incident, the police stated that none of their members had slapped the child. They are taking the matter seriously and investigating it.

Last Thursday morning, a young man named Md. Zahid (20) was killed in a ‘cocktail’ explosion during a clash between two factions involved in drug trading in Geneva Camp, Mohammadpur. That evening, the police conducted a raid and arrested several people, including Rustam.

The video shows Rustam’s daughter holding onto him and crying as he is taken away. During this, someone in the crowd slaps the child. Later, she was separated from her father.

The video’s circulation on social media drew widespread criticism of the police. Many commented that while it is acceptable for the police to arrest someone involved in a crime, hitting a small child is unacceptable. Some noted that such behavior towards a young child cannot be condoned. Others criticized Rustam, claiming he was an activist of the Awami League (currently banned).

During the operation, Mohammadpur Police Station’s OC (Operations) Mofiz Uddin was present at the scene. He said, “I was behind Rustam and later pulled him forward. There were many civilians along with the police. Amid the pulling and pushing, I did not see who slapped the child.”

Jewel Rana, Additional Commissioner of the Tejgaon Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said, “We have seen the video. The police did not slap the child. After Rustam was arrested with yaba, his daughter came to him crying. At that moment, someone among the local people slapped the child. It was wrong. We are investigating the matter seriously.”

Jewel Rana further stated that Rustam is not only involved in drugs but is also an accused in the case of Zahid’s murder.

Sharif