Students of Dhaka University have staged a sit-in outside Shahbagh Police Station, calling for legal action against Md. Masud Alam. The demonstration was organised in response to an alleged police assault on Naimuddin, a student from the 29th batch of the Anthropology Department, which occurred late Monday night.
From around 1:00 pm on Tuesday (24 February), students began gathering in front of the police station, chanting slogans and demanding accountability. In statements issued during the protest, they emphasised:
“Who has given the police the right to assault citizens without cause? Can people no longer walk freely on the streets? Are public roads the property of the police? Legal action must be taken against DC Masud, otherwise we will continue to raise our voices.”
Students’ Key Demands
| Demand | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Action | Ensure appropriate punishment for DC Masud Alam and all police officers involved in the assault. |
| End Unwarranted Policing | Stop all irregular police activities both on and off campus. |
| Safety and Human Rights | Guarantee continuous safety and uphold the human rights of all university students. |
The protesting students highlighted that such police behaviour infringes upon their fundamental rights to move freely and has created a sense of insecurity within the university campus. They stressed that strict administrative measures are essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Participants in the sit-in included students from multiple batches of Dhaka University. They reported that Naimuddin had committed no offence at the time of the attack, yet was allegedly subjected to unprovoked violence. Students are calling on the authorities to ensure swift justice and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
Additionally, the demonstrators urged the police to act responsibly, safeguard public rights, and prioritise the security of students. The protest has sparked widespread concern within the university community about the safety and autonomy of its members.
The sit-in at Shahbagh Police Station has been described as a manifestation of the students’ organised and determined resistance. They have renewed their appeal to the administration to cease all unwarranted interference in the normal functioning of the educational institution. Immediate enforcement of accountability, legal action, and student safety remains the core demand of the protestors.