Several journalists, Dhaka University students, and a police officer sustained injuries during an anti-drug operation at Suhrawardy Udyan, as reported by local media. The operation, led by the Ramna Zone of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, resulted in the detention of seven to eight individuals, with approximately 60 to 70 police personnel involved, according to DMP Ramna Zone Deputy Commissioner Masud.
The senior police official clarified that the primary aim was to unsettle rather than arrest many individuals during the operation. Journalists Kawsar Ahmed Ripon and Tofayel Ahmed, along with DU student Nayem Uddin and a police constable, were among those injured. Ripon recounted that he was assaulted after questioning the police’s actions towards his colleague.
A video footage captured DU student Nayem Uddin being beaten by officers after a disagreement. Nayem explained that he and his friends were discussing an event at the park when they encountered the police. Despite finding nothing on them, the police alleged an argument and proceeded to detain and assault them.
Deputy Commissioner Masud labeled the operation as a routine anti-drug drive, emphasizing that it was conducted late at night when few people were present. He mentioned an incident where a group of DU students, allegedly smoking marijuana, engaged in a confrontation with the police, resulting in an injury to a constable. Masud also addressed the allegations involving journalists, stating that the officers were unaware of their identities due to the absence of visible press identification.
