Hatirjheel OC closed over Nobin Fashion shop shutdown, probe body formed
An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was also withdrawn in the same incident
Officer-in-charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station Golam Mortuza has been closed in the incident of shutting down a shop named 'Nobin Fashion' in the capital's Moghbazar area.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has also formed an investigation committee in connection with the incident, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Talebur Rahman yesterday (25 March).
He said that an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was also withdrawn in the same incident.
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In a statement, he said a committee has been formed to investigate the incident that took place at the shop inside Bishal Center in Moghbazar. On Friday (20 March), a heated situation arose between the market committee and a showroom over a discount offer on Panjabis.
He added that the committee will examine whether any police members were involved in the incident.
The OC of Hatirjheel Police Station has been attached to DMP headquarters, and the ASI has been sent to Rajarbagh Police Lines. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation committee.
According to reports, a video of the incident went viral on social media on 20 March, a day before Eid-ul-Fitr.
The footage shows that neighbouring traders forced the closure of 'Nobin Fashion' for selling panjabis at lower prices.
Local shopkeepers reportedly objected, comparing the low-cost sales to "relief distribution."
Earlier yesterday, a Dhaka court ordered the reopening of the Nobin Fashion shop within 24 hours and also expressed dissatisfaction over the presence of police at the scene and their inactive role in the closure of the store.
The court also directed the officer-in-charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station to appear before it and submit a written explanation over the incident.
According to the court order, a report published in an online version of a national daily shows that a group of individuals, accompanied by police, went to the 'Nobin Fashion' shop at Bishal Centre Market in Moghbazar and ordered it to shut down.
Although some individuals were seen behaving unruly at the scene, police personnel present were reportedly standing by without taking action.
The court observed that such passive conduct by law enforcement could create fear among the public. It questioned why such behaviour should not be declared unlawful and contrary to professional standards.
