Dhaka, August 1 - Six coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement have been released from the custody of the Detective Police (DB) office. The coordinators were handed over to their parents on Thursday afternoon, as confirmed by the father of coordinator Nahid Islam.
The released coordinators are Md. Nahid Islam, Md. Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Md. Abu Bakr Majumdar, Asif Mahmud, and Nusrat Tabassum. Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, and Abu Bakr Majumdar were initially taken from the hospital to the DB office on July 26. The following day, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, and Nusrat Tabassum were also brought to the DB office.
During their time in custody, the coordinators issued a statement withdrawing the program of the anti-discrimination student movement. However, some students claimed that the statement was made under duress. The detective police denied these allegations, stating that the withdrawal was not forced.
Adding to the controversy, newly appointed DB chief Haroon Aur Rashid posted pictures on social media of the coordinators being fed while in custody. This action drew criticism, and a High Court bench expressed concern during the hearing of a related writ petition. The bench remarked, "Whoever will be taken to the DB office, then sit on the dining table. Do not joke with the nation like this."
The incident has sparked discussions and concerns regarding the treatment of student activists and the transparency of law enforcement actions.
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