On What Grounds Was the Rickshaw-Puller Arrested at 32 Number? OC Asked for Explanation

The interim government has sought an explanation from the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dhanmondi Police Station regarding the arrest of rickshaw-puller Md Azizur Rahman from Dhanmondi 32 in the capital.

The government has questioned the basis on which he was arrested as a suspect in a case. Simultaneously, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is investigating whether there are any inconsistencies in the recent actions and statements of the said OC.

In a statement issued on Sunday (17 August), the interim government announced that the investigation into Azizur’s alleged involvement must be concluded promptly, and that a report must be submitted without delay under the amended Section 173(A) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

Azizur Rahman, a rickshaw-puller, who had gone to pay tribute at Dhanmondi 32 on the death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was subjected to mob assault. Subsequently, police arrested him in connection with an attempted murder case dating back to the July mass uprising.

On Saturday, police showed Azizur as arrested in the attempted murder case and presented him before the court, after which Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Israt Jahan Jennifer Zerin ordered that he be sent to prison.

On 15 August, while carrying flowers to pay respects at Dhanmondi 32, Azizur was beaten by a group of people. He was later handed over to Dhanmondi police. The following day, Sub-Inspector (SI) Mohammad Touhidur Rahman of Dhanmondi Police Station produced him before the court in connection with an attempted murder case filed on 4 August last year.

That case was lodged by an individual named Ariful Islam on 2 April at Dhanmondi Police Station.