Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for inciting a mob attack on former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda during his detention in Uttara, Dhaka.
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday condemned the incident, stating, “Mob justice is unacceptable under any circumstances. Strict action will be taken against those involved.”
The incident occurred Sunday evening when a group stormed Huda’s residence, assaulted him, and later handed him over to the police. He was initially held at Uttara West Police Station before being transferred to Detective Branch (DB) headquarters.
Deputy Commissioner (Uttara Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Mohammad Mahidul Islam told Times of Bangladesh, “We’re examining CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. No arrests have been made yet as we’re still analysing evidence in consultation with superiors.”
The home adviser, speaking to reporters after an official visit in Gazipur, announced, “A committee will investigate whether law enforcement personnel were complicit in the attack that occurred in their presence. Legal action will follow against all involved parties.”
Police officials confirmed patrol teams rescued Huda from the mob and secured him at the police station. DC Mahidul noted, “We promptly intervened, though we’re still determining what transpired before our arrival.”
The caretaker government issued a statement Sunday night denouncing the assault as “illegal, contrary to rule of law, and a criminal offense,” pledging legal action against the perpetrators.
Uttara West Police Station OC Hafizur Rahman reported that “locals” initially surrounded and assaulted Huda before police took custody.
Disturbing footage circulated on social media showed individuals humiliating Huda, including placing a garland of shoes around his neck and physically assaulting him.
The incident follows a case filed by BNP on Sunday accusing Huda and 18 others of subverting electoral duties during the 2018 national elections held under his commission. Huda had assumed office as CEC in 2017.
