SI withdrawn for attempt to arrest missing BNP leader

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has withdrawn Sub-Inspector (SI) Md Akram Hossain for his attempt to arrest BNP leader Sajedul Islam Suman, an enforced disappearance victim, who went missing 12 years ago during the Awami League (AL) regime.

The DMP has been facing sharp criticism after SI Akram led a team to Suman's house at Tejgaon's Shahinbagh in the city on Thursday for the arrest attempt.

DMP Deputy Police Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Mohammad Talebur Rahman on Friday said an unwanted situation was created centering the attempt of arrest and added that DMP expressed sorrows over the matter.

According to him, the police team led by SI Akram recently joined DMP, thus they lacked the necessary knowledge before going to the drive.

Deputy Police Commissioner Talebur said that the DMP is committed to providing safety and security to the persons who became victims of enforced disappearances by the AL government and also their family members.

He said that DMP has expressed sympathies to the family members of the persons who became victims of enforced disappearances by the then AL government.

Sajedul Islam Suman's sister Sanjida Islam Tuli, under her platform ' Mayer Dak', has been campaigning for long to get back her missing brother and other missing persons.

She expressed anger at police arrival on her doorstep for arresting Suman, even after the political change over on August 5, last year.

BNP leader Suman was the former general secretary of ward No. 25 of Dhaka city of BNP. Twelve years ago, he was picked up by people who identified themselves as members of the law enforcing agencies.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com