A Dhaka court on Wednesday summoned the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station to explain the role of the police in the forced closure of a Punjabi shop, “Nobin Fashion,” in the city’s Moghbazar area.
The court further directed the OC to ensure the shop is reopened within the next 24 hours in his presence.
Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman issued the order suo motu, acting under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The court’s directive followed a report published in the online edition of a national daily, which featured a video showing a group of individuals accompanied by police officers forcing the shop to close. It observed that while some individuals were seen behaving rowdily, the police officers present appeared indifferent.
In its observations, the court remarked that such indifference by the police could instil fear in the public.
The Hatirjheel OC has been ordered to appear before the court within three days to provide a written explanation as to why such conduct should not be declared illegal and unprofessional.
Additionally, the court directed that the full names and identities of the individuals involved in the incident be submitted.
The incident reportedly stems from a viral video dated 20 March, the day before Eid-ul-Fitr, which showed neighbouring traders at Moghbazar’s Bishal Centre Market forcing “Nobin Fashion” to shut down.
The traders reportedly objected to the shop selling Punjabis at lower prices, comparing the discounted sales to “giving relief.”
The owner of “Nobin Fashion” subsequently held a press conference where he raised allegations regarding a lack of security and the influence of a business “syndicate.” Following the incident, the businessman reportedly left the country.
