Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station Golam Mortuza has sought an unconditional apology following dissatisfaction over the police’s role in shutting down a panjabi shop named Nobin Fashion in the capital’s Moghbazar area.
He appeared in person before the court of Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman and submitted a written statement today (29 March). At the same time, he sought an unconditional apology over the incident, confirmed public prosecutor Jamal Uddin Marjin.
Earlier, on 25 March, the same court had summoned him and gave him three days to explain the matter regarding the closure of the Nobin Fashion shop. The court also instructed the OC to visit the spot within 24 hours and reopen the shop. The order was issued suo motu by Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman.
Prosecutor Jamal Uddin Marjin said the OC appeared before the court, submitted his statement, and sought an unconditional apology. The court has heard his statement.
He added that on the day of the shop closure, several individuals introduced themselves as friends or relatives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The court has sought the prosecution’s opinion regarding them.
According to reports, a video of the incident went viral on social media on 20 March, a day before Eid-ul-Fitr.
The footage shows that neighbouring traders forced the closure of ‘Nobin Fashion’ for selling panjabis at lower prices.
Local shopkeepers reportedly objected, comparing the low-cost sales to “relief distribution.”
On 26 March, Officer-in-charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station Golam Mortuza and an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) were closed to DMP headquarters, and to Rajarbagh Police Lines respectively.
According to the court order, a report published in an online version of a national daily shows that a group of individuals, accompanied by police, went to the ‘Nobin Fashion’ shop at Bishal Centre Market in Moghbazar and ordered it to shut down.
Although some individuals were seen behaving unruly at the scene, police personnel present were reportedly standing by without taking action.
The court had observed that such passive conduct by law enforcement could create fear among the public. It questioned why such behaviour should not be declared unlawful and contrary to professional standards.
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