Four police personnel from Mohammadpur Police Station — including a sub-inspector (SI), an assistant sub-inspector (ASI), and two constables — have been suspended for negligence of duty following the mugging of journalist Ahmad Wadud, just a short distance from the station.
The incident occurred on Thursday night, when Wadud was attacked with a machete and his wallet and mobile phone taken away. The incident occurred only a three-minute walk away from Dhaka’s Mohammadpur Police Station.
Within five minutes of the attack, Wadud reported the incident to on-duty officers but alleged that they failed to take immediate action.
On Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Tejgaon Division Md Ibne Mizan confirmed the suspension of the officers involved.
He said that police had since arrested three suspects — identified as Yusuf, 26, Siam, 23, and Zahurul, 22 — and recovered the stolen mobile phone.
“The suspension comes after preliminary findings indicated serious negligence by the officers on duty at the time of the incident,” Mizan told reporters.
Mohammadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ali Iftekhar Hasan stated that the suspects were detained based on early evidence, and further legal action would follow after verification.
The mugging incident occurring so close to a police station, coupled with allegations of inaction by officers, has raised concerns over police responsiveness and accountability.
An internal inquiry is now underway to determine whether additional disciplinary measures are needed.