Those responsible in arson at Setu Bhaban being identified from CCTV footage: DMP DB Chief Harun

During the quota protests last week, incidents of vandalism, violence, and sabotage targeting state establishments were reported across Dhaka.

Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Chief Harun-or-Rashid said that those involved are being identified and arrested based on CCTV footage analysis.

Speaking to journalists at his office today, Harun said, “We have received CCTV footage showing how the arson and looting were carried out. Many individuals involved in these incidents have been identified and will be arrested.”

He made these remarks following the arrest of two individuals in connection with the vandalism, arson, and looting at the Setu Bhaban in Mohakhali.

The arrested individuals are Jaz Mia and Md. Rakib (22), who were apprehended from Mohakhali on Tuesday night (July 23).

Harun further stated, “There have been incidents of vandalism, arson, and looting in Dhaka city under the guise of protests. Police officers have been brutally attacked, resulting in deaths and injuries, to break their morale. Key infrastructures, including the IT data center, were targeted. We have evidence of supplies provided for these attacks.”

According to Harun, Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP leaders funded and mobilized people from areas such as the Saat Tola slum and the Korail slum, who then gathered in Mohakhali, started hurling brickbats, and subsequently stormed into the Setu Bhaban – vandalizing it, setting it on fire, and looting government property.

“Our CCTV footage clearly shows how they set the fires and looted the property. We have identified many involved in these acts,” the DB chief said.

Based on the information provided by the arrested individuals, police conducted operations in various parts of Dhaka and arrested seven leaders of BNP and Jamaat, he added.