Dhaka, July 29— Dhaka Metropolitan Detective (DB) Additional Commissioner of Police Harun Or Rashid has dismissed allegations that the six coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement were forced to give statements, labeling these claims as "rumours."
Speaking to reporters at the DB office gate on Minto Road on Monday afternoon, Harun stated that the coordinators were taken into custody for their safety and interrogation. He assured that their families had visited them and found them in good condition, adding that the coordinators would be released soon.
“The allegation of forcing the six coordinators to stop the quota reform movement is a rumor. Please do not spread rumors. DB is a place of trust. No one is detained there. Statements are not taken under duress. Rather, they feel that the government has accepted all the demands. They told us in writing. Due to which they have withdrawn their movement,” Harun stated.
On Sunday night, Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators, announced the withdrawal of the movement after discussions at the DB office. Other coordinators, Hasnat Abdullah, Asif Mahmud, Sarjis Alam, Nusrat Tabassum, and Md. Abu Bakr Majumdar, were also present during the announcement.
The situation began on Friday afternoon when three coordinators—Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, and Abu Bakr—were taken into custody from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital. Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah were taken into custody on Saturday evening, followed by Nusrat Tabassum on Sunday.
Harun explained, “We also studied at Dhaka University, we were students. We have brought these six coordinators here for security reasons. They are with us. There are many rumors surrounding these coordinators. We spoke to their families. We bring them because of the insecurities of families and coordinators. The families of the six coordinators who are in DB custody today have said that they are fine. Their family came last night. Arrived in DB today as well. They themselves have seen how they are.”
He emphasized that the police have a responsibility to ensure the safety of individuals who feel insecure and that they are fulfilling this duty.
On Sunday night, families of the six students complained that they were not allowed to meet their children. When asked about this, Harun clarified that the families had indeed met with the coordinators and were satisfied with their condition.
“The family members came to the DB last night too and met them. Even today met, talked, expressed satisfaction. They thanked him for being well,” he reiterated.
Harun also noted that the anti-quota movement involved young students and alleged that external elements, including groups from Jamaat-BNP, had infiltrated the movement to carry out destructive activities. He warned that conspirators might again attempt to exploit the situation, making it necessary to ensure the coordinators' safety.
“We think that if the conspirators try to fish in murky waters again, these coordinators may become insecure. That's why we need to look at their safety,” he concluded.
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