Police Probe After Alleged Assault in Rangpur Station

A controversy has erupted in northern Bangladesh after a local opposition activist alleged that he was severely beaten inside a police station in Rangpur, prompting authorities to withdraw three police personnel from duty and launch an internal investigation.

The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday night inside Kotwali Police Station under the Rangpur Metropolitan Police. The alleged victim, Rakibul Islam, serves as the member secretary of the Sadar Upazila unit of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, an associate organisation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

According to Rakibul, he visited the police station to help mediate a dispute involving a young couple who had previously been reported missing by their families. The couple had been recovered and brought to the station, and local political figures were reportedly attempting to resolve the matter at the request of both families.

Rakibul claimed that upon arriving at the station around 9:30 pm, he witnessed a police officer assaulting one of the individuals involved in the case. He said that when he objected to the alleged mistreatment, he was attacked by several officers under the direction of Officer-in-Charge (OC) Azad Rahman.

The activist alleged that he was struck repeatedly, including with a rifle, suffering injuries to his head and eye. He further claimed that his mobile phones were confiscated and that officers later attempted to wash blood from his body before he was sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for treatment.

Witnesses said news of the incident quickly spread, prompting BNP and affiliated organisation activists to gather outside the police station. Tensions reportedly escalated, leading police to close the station’s collapsible gate while crowds assembled outside.

Speaking to journalists from inside the station premises, Rakibul emotionally described the alleged assault and demanded justice. He maintained that he had repeatedly identified himself as a political activist but was nevertheless subjected to violence.

Police Deny Assault Allegation

Officer-in-Charge Azad Rahman rejected the accusation, insisting that he did not order or participate in any assault.

Responding to questions about the injuries and bloodstains reportedly visible on Rakibul’s clothing, the OC stated that he had seen commotion outside the station and suggested that Rakibul might have been assaulted by others. He added that the activist may have believed the incident occurred with police encouragement, but denied any direct involvement.

Internal Inquiry Launched

In response to the allegations, Rangpur Metropolitan Police issued a statement during the early hours of Thursday announcing immediate administrative action.

Three police personnel who were reportedly on duty at the time of the incident were withdrawn from their posts pending investigation. Authorities also formed a three-member inquiry committee headed by Additional Police Commissioner (Administration and Finance) Naresh Chakma to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.

Actions Announced by Police

Political Reaction

The decision to remove three officers but not take immediate action against the station chief has drawn criticism from BNP leaders and activists.

Zakaria Islam, member secretary of the district Swechchhasebak Dal, argued that the allegations centre on the OC himself and called for the strongest possible disciplinary measures if the claims are substantiated. He said party members expect the officer to be removed from his position while the investigation is ongoing.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mabud stated that the withdrawal of the three officers was a preliminary measure. He noted that no formal written complaint had yet been submitted against the OC, but stressed that anyone found responsible following the investigation would face strict punishment in accordance with the findings.

The inquiry is expected to determine whether misconduct occurred inside the police station and whether further disciplinary or legal action is warranted. The incident has attracted significant local attention and is likely to intensify scrutiny of police conduct and accountability in the coming days.