Shah Alam Sardar, Officer-in-charge of Tajhat Police Station in Rangpur, has been transferred—11 months after being accused of assaulting students during an anti-discrimination protest. At the time of the incident, he was serving as the investigation officer at Rangpur Kotwali Police Station.
Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Majid Ali confirmed the transfer on Tuesday (8 July) afternoon, reports UNB.
The allegations against Shah Alam Sardar dates back to 16 July last year, the day student protester Abu Sayeed was killed. That day, several students joined a protest march in Rangpur city in support of the ongoing anti-discrimination movement. Video footage which surfaced on social media appeared to show Shah Alam physically assaulting students, sparking widespread criticism. Activists now mark 16 July as the “moment before martyr Abu Sayeed’s killing.”
Eyewitnesses reported that hundreds of students gathered near Rangpur Zilla School before marching toward the Town Hall. As they reached the Police Lines intersection, police attempted to disperse them using force.
According to allegations, the baton charge was ordered by then Kotwali Zone Assistant Commissioner Arifuzzaman and then Kotwali Investigation Officer Shah Alam Sardar. Protesters said Shah Alam actively took part in the attack.
Videos and interviews with students confirm that Shah Alam Sardar punched and kicked several protesters during the crackdown. He was seen beating students on various parts of their bodies while leading other officers in a forceful dispersal at the Police Lines intersection.
Although several officers were transferred following a change in the political situation on 5 August, Shah Alam remained untouched. Instead of facing disciplinary action, he was promoted to officer-in-charge of Tajhat Police Station on 17 September last year.
Activists have criticised the recent transfer, calling it an attempt to shield Shah Alam from accountability. “This transfer is nothing but a way to protect and reward those responsible,” they said.
Police Commissioner Majid Ali was unable to provide a clear answer when asked why Shah Alam had not been transferred earlier.
He only said, “The OC of Tajhat Police Station has been removed. He has now been posted to the Detective Branch.”
Student leaders from the anti-discrimination movement have directly accused Commissioner Majid Ali of protecting Shah Alam, claiming he cannot evade responsibility for the officer’s actions.