A controversy surrounding allegations of police brutality inside a police station has sparked widespread debate and political tension in Rangpur, after a local opposition activist claimed he was assaulted while visiting the station to help resolve a community dispute. The incident has prompted the withdrawal of three police personnel from active duty and the formation of a high-level investigation committee by the Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RMP).
The complainant, Rakibul Islam, Member Secretary of the Sadar Upazila unit of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal, alleged that he was physically assaulted inside Kotwali Police Station on Wednesday night. According to his account, he had visited the station alongside several local community representatives to discuss a social dispute involving a young couple who had recently been recovered after reportedly going missing before Eid.
Local sources said that family members of the couple had earlier filed a general diary with police after the pair disappeared from the city’s CIO Bazar area. Following their recovery, the two were brought to Kotwali Police Station on Wednesday evening. Representatives from both families reportedly sought an amicable settlement, prompting several local political and community figures, including Rakibul Islam, to attend discussions at the station.
Rakibul alleged that around 9:30 pm he witnessed a police officer physically mistreating the couple. When he protested, he claimed several officers turned on him, beating him and causing injuries to his head and eye. He further alleged that he was struck with a rifle butt and that two of his mobile phones were confiscated during the altercation.
Following the incident, news of the alleged assault quickly spread across the city, drawing large numbers of activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations to the front of Kotwali Police Station. Witnesses reported a tense atmosphere as crowds gathered outside the premises, prompting authorities to shut the station’s collapsible gates as a precautionary measure.
Rakibul later spoke to journalists while receiving treatment, insisting that he had identified himself before the incident but was nevertheless subjected to violence. He demanded a fair investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Incident Overview
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kotwali Police Station, Rangpur |
| Time of Incident | Wednesday night |
| Complainant | Rakibul Islam |
| Position | Member Secretary, Sadar Upazila Swechchhasebak Dal |
| Main Allegation | Physical assault inside police station |
| Medical Status | Admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital |
| Police Personnel Withdrawn | Three |
| Investigation Head | Naresh Chakma |
| Officer-in-Charge’s Position | Denies allegations |
However, Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Azad Rahman has rejected the allegations. He stated that he was inside the station at the time and became aware only of shouting and a scuffle occurring outside. According to him, Rakibul may have been injured during an altercation involving others and subsequently mistaken police personnel as being responsible.
In response to the growing controversy, Rangpur Metropolitan Police issued a statement late that night announcing the withdrawal of three officers who were reportedly on duty during the incident. The withdrawn personnel include Sub-Inspector Masud Rana, Duty Officer Meherunnesa and Constable Lima Soren. Authorities emphasised that the move was intended to ensure an impartial inquiry rather than serve as a disciplinary punishment.
RMP also established a three-member investigation committee led by Naresh Chakma, Additional Police Commissioner for Administration and Finance. The committee has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the allegations and submitting a report.
Political leaders have continued to demand stronger action. District Swechchhasebak Dal Member Secretary Zakaria Islam argued that disciplinary measures should extend beyond junior officers and include action against senior officials if evidence supports the allegations. He called for the removal of the officer-in-charge and exemplary punishment for those found responsible.
Meanwhile, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mabud stated that no formal written complaint had yet been filed against the officer-in-charge. Nevertheless, he assured the public that the investigation would be conducted transparently and that any officer found culpable would face action under applicable regulations.
The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns regarding accountability within law enforcement agencies. As political leaders, civil society observers and residents await the findings of the investigation committee, the outcome of the inquiry is expected to play a crucial role in determining both the credibility of the allegations and any future administrative or legal measures.