Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the use of force and beating of journalists and Dhaka University students by police during a recent anti-narcotics operation in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan.
In a statement released on Tuesday, ASK stated, “Reports published in the media and video footage circulating on social media show police physically assaulting journalists present while performing their professional duties. At the same time, allegations have arisen that a university student, even after identifying themselves as such, was severely beaten with batons and punched in the presence of a senior official.”
The human rights watchdog condemned the behaviour as being “extremely unprofessional” and “contrary to the minimum code of conduct” for law enforcement agencies.
The statement further reads, “ASK believes that excessive or unjustified use of force cannot be acceptable under any circumstances in the name of conducting anti-narcotics operations. Obstructing journalists from performing their professional duties and engaging in violent behaviour towards students constitutes a clear violation of citizens’ rights and the right to personal security.”
The organisation demanded a swift investigation into the matter and called for legal action against those responsible.
It also requested relevant authorities to ensure clear directives and effective oversight so that members of the police force refrain from such unexpected and unacceptable behaviour involving the use of force. It urges authorities to ensure proper accountability and take effective steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
Ganosamhati Andolon warns against ‘anti-people policing’
In a separate press statement issued on February 24, 2026, Gonasamhati Andolon condemned the verbal harassment, beatings, and baton-charges carried out by police during recent raids in various parts of Dhaka. The political platform stressed that such “anti-people behaviour” would not be tolerated in a post-mass-uprising Bangladesh.
Executive Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Abul Hasan Rubel warned that these actions by the police could call into question the “good work” of the current government. They further demanded the immediate identification and withdrawal of the officers involved, followed by a thorough investigation and legal proceedings.
Furthermore, the organisation urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to take the necessary initiatives to ensure that police conduct does not align with an “anti-people” stance, emphasising that law enforcement must not treat citizens with such hostility.
