Student Protesters Accuse Dhaka Police of Misinformation and Violence
DHAKA, Bangladesh – Student demonstrators, rallying under the banner of "Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression," have accused the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) of waging a misinformation campaign against their movement and violently suppressing their peaceful protest. The accusations stem from a demonstration held on Tuesday, March 12, 2025, during which the students attempted to march to the Chief Advisor’s Office to deliver a nine-point memorandum addressing the alarming rise in crime, particularly violence against women.
The students allege that the police, led by DMP Ramna Division Assistant Commissioner (AC) Abdullah Al Mamun, launched an unprovoked attack on their peaceful march. They claim AC Mamun, who was in civilian clothing, directed the use of excessive force against the protesters, including female students who were allegedly harassed by male officers. The students maintain that no female police officers were deployed to the scene. According to the protesters, at least 15 individuals sustained injuries during the clash, including several named students and journalists.
Furthermore, the students contend that the police have circulated a selectively edited video of the incident on social media, portraying the protesters in a negative light and attempting to justify the use of force. They denounce this video as part of a broader propaganda effort aimed at discrediting their movement and silencing their calls for justice and safety. The students have demanded the removal of AC Mamun and the prosecution of all officers involved in the alleged attack.
During a press conference held at the Central Shaheed Minar on Wednesday, March 13, 2025, the students reiterated their concerns about the escalating crime rates in Bangladesh. Skaiya Islam, an Eden Women’s College student, read a prepared statement highlighting the sharp increase in murders, robberies, thefts, and violence against women. She emphasized the pervasive nature of sexual harassment and assault, lamenting that such incidents have become commonplace, creating an unbearable and unsafe environment for women across the nation. Ms. Islam also criticized Home Adviser Jahangir Alam, accusing him of failing to ensure public safety.
Sumaiya Saina, another Eden Women’s College student, echoed Ms. Islam’s sentiments, urging the public to disregard the allegedly distorted videos circulating online. She emphasized that the police’s actions are part of a pattern of suppressing democratic movements and that the students will not be intimidated by the threat of arrest. The protesters further revealed that the police have filed a "false riot case" against 12 students, including injured protesters and a journalist, as well as 70 to 80 unidentified individuals. Shockingly, they claim that some individuals named in the case were not even present at the protest.
The students’ protest, and the subsequent allegations of police misconduct, come amidst a wave of anti-rape demonstrations across Bangladesh. These protests have been galvanized by recent incidents of sexual violence against women and children, including the brutal assault of an eight-year-old girl in Magura on March 5, 2025. The widespread public outrage reflects a growing demand for accountability and concrete action to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in the country. The students’ call for the withdrawal of the charges against them and the investigation into the police’s actions underscore the urgent need for transparency and justice in handling these sensitive issues.
The students maintain that their primary objective is to raise awareness about the pressing issue of violence against women and to demand greater protection and safety for all citizens. They vow to continue their activism despite the alleged attempts by law enforcement to suppress their voices. Their struggle highlights the ongoing tension between the right to peaceful assembly and the authorities’ response to dissent in Bangladesh. The outcome of this situation and the response from the government will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of similar movements addressing social justice issues in the country.