Rickshaw-puller beaten by mob at Dhanmondi 32 while attempting to pay tribute, taken into police custody

A man, who identified himself as a rickshaw-puller, was beaten by a mob today (15 August) while paying tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32, marking the National Mourning Day, prompting police to intervene and take him into custody.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Dhanmondi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kashainyu Marma said, "The rickshaw-puller was being beaten by a mob. Police rescued him and took him into custody. He has not been detained."

The OC added that he is currently at the police station, and police will question him to determine whether anyone sent him to Dhanmondi 32.

The man, Azizur Rahman, 45, a resident of Ghorashal village under Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station, had come to the area with a bouquet of flowers in hand, reports UNB.

According to witnesses, as soon as he reached the site, some people in the crowd began shouting "Awami League, Awami League" at him.

One individual then forcibly took the bouquet from his hands and tore it apart. The bouquet bore the words, "15 August National Mourning Day".

With tears in his eyes, the man said, "I came to pay my respects to Bangabandhu, brother. I bought this bouquet with Tk400. I earned the money after a whole day's work. I only love Bangabandhu, that's all. I am not involved with any political party, brother."

The mob reportedly attempted to damage the rickshaw, and when he tried to flee, several people attacked him.

Masud Alam, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Ramna Division), said they have kept the road at Dhanmondi 32 closed since yesterday.

"Some individuals wanted to pass through that road, and some claimed they were going to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's mausoleum to offer flowers. However, they did not know the location of the mausoleum."

He added that some people were assaulted and police rescued them, took them into their custody.

"After verification, they will be released," he added.