The Mymensingh district administration has formally notified the highest levels of public administration regarding an incident, where the Trishal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arafat Siddiqui was seen slapping and caning an individual during a mobile court operation.
While the law provides no provision for physical punishment, the UNO’s public display of force has led to official scrutiny, with the official reportedly remaining unreachable via telephone since the event.
CCTV captures assault at quarry
The incident occurred last Wednesday at approximately 2pm at a sand sale point in the Kulurbari area of Trishal’s Kanthal Union. CCTV footage shows the UNO arriving at the site accompanied by Ansar and RAB members to inspect lease documents.
When the site manager, Sarwar Jahan (alias Bachhu), enquired about the identities of those conducting the raid, Arafat Siddiqui identified himself before delivering two slaps – one with his left hand and the second with his right.
As a RAB member was leading the manager away, the UNO took a stick and struck the victim four times. During the assault, the Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land), Md Mahbubur Rahman, was seen attempting to intervene and stop the UNO.
The victim, a former vice-president of the Mymensingh City Chhatra Dal, was subsequently taken in a RAB vehicle and released in the Dhala area, from where he was admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.
‘Unprofessional behaviour’
Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Saifur Rahman confirmed he has viewed the viral video and stated that the matter has been reported to higher authorities for further investigation.
The DC remarked that the behaviour exhibited by the UNO does not fall within the scope of professionalism, noting that the official must personally answer for his actions. He further clarified that remedial measures would follow if a written complaint is submitted by the victim.
The owner of ‘Srishti Enterprise’ – the firm holding the lease for the sand quarry – Shamsuzzaman Masud, stated that he has been unable to meet with the UNO since the incident. Masud noted that he had invested nearly Tk 2 crore in the lease and had only recently begun operations at the Kulurbari counter.
No legal mandate for physical punishment
Legal experts and former officials have condemned the use of physical force during such operations, stating that no law permits a court to beat an individual.
Under the Mobile Court Act, 2009, a magistrate is strictly authorised to impose only two types of punishment: a financial fine or a prison sentence of up to two years. The law provides no authority for physical torture, caning, or slapping.
Moreover, Article 35(5) of the Constitution identifies such cruel and degrading treatment as a violation of fundamental rights. Under the Penal Code, a government official personally assaulting an individual is considered a criminal offence involving “hurt,” “use of force,” or “abuse of power.”
While law enforcement may use necessary legal force to control a situation, a magistrate is categorically prohibited from personally beating any person.
