Gulshan AL procession
DC, OC withdrawn over Tk 15 lakh bribery allegations
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Awami League’s (AL) leaders and activists held a procession after receiving a “green signal” from a police official in Gulshan, Dhaka. Although 10 people were supposed to be present according to the agreement, the turnout exceeded 250.
Not only that, cocktails thrown from the procession spread panic throughout Gulshan and surrounding areas.
Allegations have surfaced that after several rounds of discussions, the matter was finalized by Gulshan Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tanvir Ahmed, who was withdrawn on Wednesday. The withdrawn Gulshan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Daud Hossain was also part of the deal.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner Aktar Hossain told Agamir Somoy, “The DC and OC have been attached due to administrative reasons. Beyond this, nothing has been communicated to me.”
Citing information obtained from arrested individuals, a DMP official said on 11 September, prior to the procession of the AL and banned Chhatra League on Gulshan, Tanvir gave them the green signal.
He knew that 10-12 people would hold a procession. Even after Daud informed Tanvir about the procession at the very beginning, he did not pay much attention to it.
Several police sources added that following the discussed procession, a two-member committee headed by a joint commissioner was formed. Committee members spoke in several rounds with DC, OC, several members of the division, and people from various professions.
Apart from the DMP investigation committee, agencies also worked on thi matter. In addition to intelligence failure, the involvement of the DC and OC came to light. The DC took Tk 10 lakh and the OC took Tk 5 lakh for permitting the procession.
However, the activities of the investigation committee are still ongoing.
Former Swechasebak League leader Mashiur Rahman Kochi coordinated the matter on behalf of Chhatra League. However, former Paltan secretary Kazi Al Zahid, Shahbagh Chhatra League Joint Convenor Mostafizur Rahman Dipu, and former Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Chhatra League secretary Hridoy sent people for the procession.
