Protesters demand action after police clash during Anti-Rape march

In a recent clash between protesters and police in the capital, demonstrators who participated in the ‘Anti-Rape and Oppression’ march have called for the withdrawal of cases filed against them and the resignation of senior officials, including Assistant Commissioner (AC) Abdullah Al Mamun and Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. 

The incident took place on Tuesday, March 11, during a peaceful march organized by the platform ‘Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression.’

The peaceful march, aimed at highlighting the issue of rape and oppression in the country, was abruptly disrupted when police began attacking protesters. 

AC Abdullah Al Mamun, who was dressed in civilian clothes, reportedly launched an unprovoked attack on the demonstrators from behind.

This attack was followed by the use of excessive force, with police allegedly harassing women and injuring journalists.

At a press conference held on Thursday, March 13, at the Central Shaheed Minar, the protest platform condemned the police‍‍`s actions. 

In a written statement, they said, “On March 11, the ‘Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression’ platform organized a peaceful march and submitted a memorandum with nine demands. Initially, the police attacked the peaceful protest. Then, AC Abdullah Al Mamun of the DMP’s Ramna Division, in civilian clothes, launched a brutal attack from behind. This assault involved excessive force, harassment of women, and injuries to journalists, which reflects the police state under the Awami League government.”

The platform also criticized the police for their role in the attack, stating that their failure to stop rapists, abusers, and murderers had led them to use force against a peaceful movement. 

“This attack exposes the police’s anti-people stance,” the statement continued, “and the blame must lie with both the police administration and the Home Affairs Advisor.”

Sumaiya Akter, a representative of the platform, read the written statement at the press conference. She also revealed that a false case had been filed against the protesters at the Ramna Model Police Station. 

The case named 12 students, one injured journalist, and around 70-80 other individuals, including some who were not even present at the march.

The protesters accused the police of using their power to file false cases in a mass crackdown, comparing it to the repressive tactics seen during the previous government. 

They even pointed to similar actions during the July Uprising, where students and ordinary citizens were falsely charged and arrested.

In addition to the demand for the withdrawal of the cases, the protesters have also called for the resignation of Home Affairs Advisor Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. 

According to them, under his leadership, the country‍‍`s law and order situation has failed to improve, making his removal essential for ensuring citizens’ safety.

The incident has sparked outrage among many, with calls for accountability and change in the way such protests are handled in the future.