Hatirjheel OC, ASI closed over shutdown of showroom

The officer-in-charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station and an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) have been withdrawn from their posts following the forced shutdown of a Nobin Fashion showroom in Dhaka’s Moghbazar before Eid-ul-Fitr.

OC Golam Mortuza has been attached to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) headquarters, while the ASI has been sent to Rajarbagh Police Lines, according to a DMP press release issued yesterday.

The move comes amid criticism over alleged police inaction during the incident and a court order directing authorities to reopen the outlet within 24 hours.

An “unexpected situation” arose on March 20 between traders and a showroom over a discounted panjabi sale at Bishal Centre market, said the release signed by Deputy Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman.

A probe committee has been formed to determine whether any police personnel were involved, it added.

A video circulating on social media on Friday, the day before Eid-ul-Fitr, shows a group of traders forcing the Nobin Fashion outlet to shut, alleging that its low-priced panjabis were hurting their business and likening the sale to “relief distribution”.

Nobin authorities alleged that police present at the scene did not intervene and instead appeared to side with the traders.

The incident triggered widespread criticism online, with many users backing the brand’s pricing and calling for action against those involved.

A Dhaka court yesterday expressed dissatisfaction over the police’s role, summoned the Hatirjheel OC, and ordered that the showroom be reopened within 24 hours.