A Dhaka court has ordered to reopen a shop named ‘Nobin Fashion’ in the capital’s Moghbazar area within 24 hours and also expressed dissatisfaction over the role of police in the closure of the store.
The court also directed the officer-in-charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station to appear before it and submit a written explanation over the incident.
The order was issued today (25 March) by Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mostafizur Rahman, acting suo motu, according to court sources.
According to the court order, a report published in an online version of a national daily showed 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 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.
In addition to seeking an explanation, the court instructed the OC to ensure the shop is reopened at the location within 24 hours. It also ordered the submission of detailed identities of those involved in the incident.
According to reports, a video of the incident went viral on social media on 20 March, a day before Eid-ul-Fitr.
The footage showed 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.”
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