We do not want any more police excesses

We are appalled at the way a Dhaka University (DU) student and two journalists were manhandled by the police on Monday, February 23, during an anti-narcotics drive at Suhrawardy Udyan. The total disregard for the constitutional rights of civilians is indefensible. Such use of disproportionate force on individuals gives uneasy signals to the public.

Reportedly, the DU student was apprehended at the Suhrawardy Udyan, and the Ramna Division deputy commissioner (DC) started questioning him. A video on social media shows that while the DU student was speaking with the DC, another policeman grabbed him from behind, pushed him to the ground and beat him with a stick, leaving him seriously injured.

Two multimedia journalists, who were trying to film the incident, were also beaten up by the police. Four of the officers involved were withdrawn, and departmental action against them is apparently underway. Would there be such prompt action if no videos were circulating on social media?

It is puzzling, moreover, that no action has been taken against the DC under whose watch such violence occurred. The arguments given do not justify police assaulting civilians. Allegations of police abusing their power during anti-narcotics drives in some city parks and other districts have also been reported.

The newly appointed IGP, Md Ali Hossain Fakir, has stated that he will ensure the police will be more professional and people-friendly. But these incidents do little to reflect such goals. Instead, they amplify the negative image of the police. The memory of police brutality during the July uprising is still fresh, and these incidents trigger mistrust, anger and fear. The protests by DU students in front of Shahbagh Police Station are a manifestation of this lack of public trust.

These are warning signs to the government. Law enforcers must be trained to respect basic human rights of civilians and realise that violation of those rights will have consequences. The sense of impunity that law enforcers enjoyed in the past must end. Merely withdrawing police or transferring them is not enough. Those who assault individuals without justifiable reason must face legal action and be punished. The independent police commission that has been formed should ensure that the use of force is applied as a last resort, and prevent arbitrary arrests and custodial torture.

Law enforcers must prove to the people that they are the protectors of the law and the people. Anti-drug and anti-crime drives are necessary, but they must be conducted professionally. Sweeping arrests, roughening up suspects, harassing people just for being out at night—these fear tactics are those of past repressive regimes and must stop. A de-politicised, corruption-free and modern law enforcement is crucial for our democratic journey.