Introduction
The recent incident involving a Dhaka University lecturer injured while protecting a student from police highlights the ongoing struggle for justice in Bangladesh. As the “March for Justice” movement gains momentum, the aggressive response from law enforcement raises serious concerns about human rights and the treatment of protesters.
Incident Overview
On a Wednesday afternoon near the High Court in Dhaka, Dr. Shehrin Amin Bhuiyan, a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at Dhaka University, was injured while trying to shield a student from police arrest. The incident occurred during the “March for Justice,” a protest movement gaining significant traction among students and educators alike.
The Confrontation
The altercation began when police attempted to detain a student from Sheikh Borhanuddin Post Graduate Degree College. Dr. Nusrat Jahan Chowdhury, a professor in the same department, along with Dr. Shehrin Amin Bhuiyan, intervened. Eyewitnesses reported that the police, led by Assistant Commissioner Mohammad Imrul of the Ramna Zone, engaged in a heated exchange with the professors.
Despite the professors’ demands to know the student’s crime, AC Imrul insisted on checking the student’s phone. When the professors objected, citing privacy concerns, the situation escalated. AC Imrul grabbed the student’s collar, prompting Dr. Bhuiyan to hold onto the student firmly. The officer threatened to use force if she did not release the student. Ultimately, the police officer pushed Dr. Bhuiyan to the ground, causing her injury, and took the student away.
Statements from the Professors
Following the incident, Dr. Bhuiyan explained that she and her colleague had intervened to protect the student from what they perceived as unlawful detention. “The police were taking a student away without a clear reason. We asked them to check the student’s belongings on the spot, but they refused and insisted on using force,” she stated.
Dr. Bhuiyan sustained injuries to her hand, which she described as being particularly painful. Dr. Nusrat Jahan expressed deep regret and frustration, stating, “It is disheartening that as teachers, we could not protect our students. If we cannot stand by them, we lose our moral right to teach.”
Response from University Authorities
Attempts to reach the university’s Proctor Maksoodur Rahman for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls. This lack of communication further exacerbates concerns about the administration’s stance and support for the affected faculty and students.
Background of the Police Officer
AC Mohammad Imrul, who led the police action, is a former student of the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Dhaka University. His involvement in such a controversial incident has added another layer of complexity to the unfolding events.
The Bigger Picture
This incident is not isolated. It reflects a broader issue of police aggression and the government’s harsh stance against peaceful protests. The “March for Justice” movement, initially aimed at addressing economic disparities and the discriminatory quota system in government jobs, has seen numerous instances of violence and unlawful detentions by security forces.
Conclusion
The injury of Dr. Shehrin Amin Bhuiyan while protecting a student underscores the urgent need for justice and human rights in Bangladesh. As the “March for Justice” movement continues, it is crucial for the government to address these issues transparently and uphold the rights of its citizens. International observers and human rights organizations are watching closely, and the call for justice grows louder each day.
