(Dhaka Tribune) - Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud on Sunday said he has discussed with the home affairs adviser to ensure that no punitive measures are taken against those who participated in recent student protests, expressing hope that a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs would be issued on Monday, once government offices reopen.
The adviser, one of the key coordinators of the protests, was briefing reporters at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, after distributing financial aid to those injured in the demonstrations.
When asked about the arrests and charges filed against some protesters, he said: “The incident occurred in Sonaimuri, Noakhali. I immediately contacted the Ministry of Home Affairs, which informed me that the individuals were arrested primarily on charges of looting. I have asked for the ministry’s higher-level review of the matter. A press release on the issue will be issued by the ministry.”
He also said no leniency will be shown to police officers responsible for the shootings during the July uprising, particularly those involved in the deaths of protesters.
On August 5, a police constable from Sonaimuri police station in Noakhali was killed amid student and public protests.
Three individuals, including a teenager, were later arrested in connection with the killing. According to a police press briefing on Saturday, the suspects gave confessional statements in court under Section 164.
Noakhali Superintendent of Police Md Abdullah Al Faruq detailed the arrests at the briefing, held at his office. It was revealed that Constable Md Ibrahim was killed during an attack on Sonaimuri police station on August 5. A case was filed on August 15 against unidentified individuals.
The investigation led to the arrest of Naim Hossain, and information from his interrogation resulted in the capture of two others.
