In a significant development, the Chief of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Harunor Rashid, found himself at the center of intense criticism during a meeting of the 14-party alliance led by the ruling Awami League. The meeting, held at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban, on Monday night, saw senior leaders voicing their concerns over Rashid’s recent activities.
Presided over by Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the meeting brought to light discontent among the alliance members regarding Harunor Rashid’s actions, particularly his social media posts showing him dining with six quota movement coordinators at his office. This incident sparked widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.
Leaders such as Workers Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon and Toriqat Federation Chairman Syed Najibul Bashar Maizbhandari were vocal in their disapproval. They highlighted Rashid’s Facebook posts, where he claimed to have brought the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement to his office for their safety. The coordinators later read a statement from the DB office, urging the withdrawal of the movement. However, other coordinators alleged that the detainees were coerced into making this announcement.
The High Court also criticized the government’s handling of the situation. During a hearing on a petition for the release of the six detained coordinators, the court condemned the actions depicted in a video showing the coordinators dining with Rashid. The bench, comprising Justice Mostafa Zaman Islam and Justice SM Masud Hossain Dolon, remarked, “Do not mock the nation by taking people to the Detective Branch’s office and then seating them at a dining table.”
Additional Attorney General Mohammad Mehedi Hasan Chowdhury’s comments about seeing the coordinators eating with forks and spoons further fueled the court’s disapproval. The court retorted, “Who asked you to do this? Why did you do this? Do not mock the nation.”
Sources from the meeting revealed that the 14-party leaders were particularly critical of Rashid’s numerous dining pictures and videos, which they saw as populist and inappropriate for a law enforcement officer. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself expressed dissatisfaction with Rashid’s activities.
The backlash has led to speculation about possible repercussions for Harunor Rashid. According to sources, the DB chief may face disciplinary action for his controversial actions, as the ruling party seeks to address the fallout from this incident.
This unfolding drama underscores the complexities of addressing political issues through bureaucratic means and highlights the broader tensions within the ruling alliance.
**Stay tuned to Kishoreganj Post for more updates on this developing story.**
