SAD, Chhatra Dal continue protest demanding removal of KMP commissioner

Leaders and activists of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal in Khulna are continuing their protest for the fourth consecutive day today (28 June), demanding the removal of Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Zulfikar Ali Haider.

The protest was triggered by allegations that Sub-Inspector (SI) Sukanta Das was released from police custody despite facing serious accusations.

According to protesters, SI Sukanta was involved in acts of police brutality against student demonstrators during the 2024 July uprising.

He was reportedly handed over to the police by local residents from the Khanjahan Ali Police Station area in Khulna last Tuesday, after being beaten by a mob.

However, he was released from police custody later that same night — a move that triggered widespread outrage.

Following growing pressure, police arrested SI Sukanta and he was later sent to jail.

As a continuation of their agitation, demonstrators started gathering in front of the KMP headquarters from 3pm today.

Describing SI Sukanta as a "most wanted criminal" of the so-called "police league", Sajidul Islam Bappy, member secretary of the Khulna District Committee of Students Against Discrimination, said that although the immediate trigger for the agitation was the secretive release of Sukanta, the underlying anger has long been brewing against the actions of the KMP commissioner.

He further alleged that since the appointment of Commissioner Haider the law and order situation in Khulna has consistently deteriorated.

"In the last four months alone, the people of Khulna have witnessed the murders of at least three dozen individuals," he said, adding, "Commissioner Haider is widely seen by the people as a protector of local criminals and ruling party affiliates."

Bappy further said that unless their demands are met, the "revolutionary student masses" are committed to staying on the streets and continuing their protest.