Legal action if anyone tries to block streets Cautions DMP
Staff Reporter :
Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Crime and Operations), Dr. Kh. Mahid Uddin, asserted that following the Supreme Court’s decision to stay the status quo on the High Court’s order, the rationale behind the quota movement no longer holds.
He emphasized that legal action will be taken against any protests that block city streets.
Speaking at a press conference held at the DMP’s media center on Thursday afternoon, Dr. Mahid Uddin expressed the view that the student demonstrators no longer have grounds to cause public inconvenience, given the Appellate Division’s four-week status quo order on the High Court directive.
“While the police hold empathy for those engaged in the movement, we are duty-bound to uphold the laws of the land and the decisions of the Supreme Court,” stated Khandaker Mohid Uddin on behalf of the DMP.
He appealed to the students not to organize any further events that would disrupt public life.
Dr. Mahid Uddin highlighted that over the past ten days, movements of both people and vehicles have been disrupted in various areas, including Shahbagh and Science Laboratory.
He assured that the DMP has taken measures to ensure public safety and facilitate unhindered movement.
“We respect the rights of all individuals, and our law enforcement efforts are aimed at ensuring security while facilitating peaceful movement,” he affirmed. Dr. Mahid Uddin acknowledged the Anti-discrimination Student Movement’s recent protests and praised the police’s professional handling of the situation with patience.
“We trust that our appeal and the directives of the higher courts will be understood positively by the students, obviating the need for further demonstrations,” concluded the Additional Commissioner, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution moving forward.
Mentioning that the HSC exams are currently ongoing, the police official highlighted that amidst these duties, the Rath Yatra was held on July 7th, adding significant strain to the DMP’s responsibilities.
Moreover, upcoming events such as Ashura and the Reverse Rath Yatra further compound the challenges faced by law enforcement.
When queried about potential actions if protesting students proceed with plans to occupy various locations on Thursday, the official reiterated the plea for students to refrain from taking to the streets.
Addressing potential defiance, he emphasized, “This would constitute an offense under DMP law and existing legislation.
Over the past 10 days, our police personnel have upheld their duties with utmost professionalism, and I trust that students will respect this.”
Meanwhile, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan urged students advocating for quota reform not to unnecessarily block streets and to return to their educational institutions.
He expressed concern over external influences on the protest movement and urged students to remain within lawful boundaries.
“The students are being pushed beyond acceptable limits,” remarked the Home Minister during a press conference at the secretariat on Thursday.
