18 held over Agailjhara Police Station attack

Police have arrested 18 people in connection with the attack, vandalism and assault on police officers at Agailjhara Police Station in Barishal following rumours of the death of an accused in custody.

Barishal Superintendent of Police AZM Mostafizur Rahman said a case has been filed against 43 named individuals and more than 200 unidentified people over the incident.

“We are conducting drives to arrest the remaining accused. Additional police have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order,” he said.

The SP said police are reviewing CCTV footage and other evidence to identify those involved, while overnight raids were carried out till Friday morning to arrest the suspects.

The violence erupted on Thursday after rumours spread that Riaz Fakir, an accused in multiple cases, had died.

Police said Riaz was arrested a day earlier (on Wednesday) in a theft case. According to CCTV footage, he injured himself by repeatedly hitting his head while in the lock-up. He was later admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for treatment.

As rumours of his death spread on Thursday afternoon, hundreds of people armed with sticks descended on Agailjhara Police Station.

The attackers allegedly assaulted duty officer Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Abdul Halim and vandalised parts of the police station.

Police later charged the crowd with batons to disperse them and bring the situation under control.
At least 12 people, including six police personnel, were injured in the clashes.

Meanwhile, Riaz’s family alleged that he was injured due to police torture.
Police denied the allegation, saying Riaz is receiving treatment at the hospital and is now out of danger.