Visitors assaulted, harassed at Dhanmondi Road 32 despite heavy security

Several people have reportedly been assaulted and harassed at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka over their suspected links to the Awami League amid tight security on the anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination.

A woman and a rickshaw driver, who had come carrying flowers to pay tribute to Bangabandhu, were among those attacked.

Local BNP and Chhatra Dal activists, chanting slogans, allegedly assaulted him and others in full view of the police on Friday, according to witnesses.

Police said they were acting in line with the directives issued by the chief advisor's presss secretary.

As part of the extensive security measures taken in anticipation of possible gatherings by Awami League supporters, police have installed barbed-wire barricades, blocked vehicle access at two entrances, and deployed armoured vehicles and water cannons.

From Thursday evening, members of the BNP, its student wing Chhatra Dal, and Jamaat-e-Islami's student affiliate Islami Chhatra Shibir also began occupying the area, bringing out several processions.

Witnesses said the activists searched anyone they suspected of supporting the Awami League. Several people were beaten and handed over to police.

At one point, the situation turned tense when a leader of the Dhaka College wing of Chhatra Shibir was beaten on suspicion of being an Awami League supporter. However, both sides reached an understanding later.

About 11am, a rickshaw driver rode to road No. 32 with a bouquet on his rickshaw, marked with a sticker that read: “August 15, National Mourning Day.”

A group of leaders and activists swooped down on him the moment he was seen. One person snatched the flowers from him. He was beaten and his rickshaw was vandalised as well. The rickshaw driver, Azizur Rahman, was seen in tears.

Azizur said he had come from Jatrabari and had bought the flowers for Tk 400.

“My money is hard-earned. I have been driving a rickshaw in Dhaka for two years. I came here only because I love Bangabandhu.”

The woman was beaten and handed over to the police, who subsequently released her. Witnesses said another person was also beaten up in the area.

A couple who came with their three children in the morning were also harassed for allegedly being supporters of the Awami League. Later, police removed them from the scene.

Dhanmondi Police Station chief Kyashainu Marma was present at the scene in plainclothes. He told bdnews24.com, “The situation here is normal. Routine security measures have been adopted. Since there was a huge crowd yesterday, we have deployed some additional forces. Apart from this, we have no news of any untoward incident.”

Some people have been turned over to the police. When asked, the OC said: “At least five people were handed over to us over suspicions of being mobile phone thieves, muggers or members of banned organisations. We’re questioning them and scrutinising (the information). We’ll take the necessary measures against them afterwards.”

Mentioning that there was no intelligence information about any sabotage plans at Dhanmondi Road No. 32, the OC said: "Since their (Awami League) activities have been banned by the government, we will follow that instruction."

He said police were following the directives given by the press secretary to the chief advisor. “You must have noted that press secretary gave us some instructions. We’ll follow those instructions.”