Two young women harassed in Lalmatia: Court sends harasser Rinku to jail

Two young women were harassed at a tea stall in Lalmatia, Dhaka, reportedly over smoking in public. 

The accused, Golam Mostaqim Rinku, was brought before the court on Tuesday, where he was denied bail and sent to jail.

The police had arrested Rinku on Monday in connection with the case. 

The arrest was confirmed through a Facebook post by cultural advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooki, who brought attention to the situation.

On Tuesday, Rinku was presented before the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate, where police invoked Section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code, asking for his detention. 

At the same time, Rinku‍‍`s legal team filed a plea for his bail. However, Magistrate Masuma Rahman rejected the bail plea, sending him to prison.

The incident occurred in Lalmatia, near Aarong, where Rinku allegedly took offense at two young women who were smoking in public. 

This led to a verbal altercation, attracting a crowd of around 40 to 50 people. 

Tensions rose, and the confrontation eventually involved the local police.

After a few hours of dispute and negotiation, law enforcement stepped in, rescuing the two women—who are university students—and escorting them to Mohammadpur Police Station. 

Following about four hours of talks between the involved parties, the two women were released to their families late at night, at around 11:30 p.m. The young women, both residents of Dhanmondi, are pursuing undergraduate studies.

The following day, in response to media questions in Mirpur, Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury shared his thoughts on the incident. 

“As far as I know, the two women were smoking at the time, and some people, who were on their way to pray, confronted them. In response, the women reportedly threw tea at them,” he stated.

Chowdhury continued, “Smoking in public is prohibited for everyone—men and women alike. It’s considered an offense. I would urge people to refrain from smoking in open spaces. Moreover, since it’s Ramadan, everyone should practice self-control. Our religious advisors have also requested that no one eats in public during fasting hours as a sign of respect for those observing Ramadan.”

This remark by the Home Affairs Advisor sparked criticism, with many accusing him of inciting the mob that harassed the young women. 

In protest, a group of students gathered on March 3 under the banner of ‍‍`Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression.‍‍` 

They demonstrated on Manik Mia Avenue, burning an effigy of Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and demanding his immediate removal from office.