Lalmonirhat, Jan 09, (V7N) - Two officers-in-charge (OCs), Abdul Quader of Sadar Police Station and Firoz Hossain of the Detective Branch (DB), have been suspended following allegations of assaulting BNP leaders, including Abdus Sattar, general secretary of the district unit of Swechchhasebak Dal.

Incident Details:
The controversy began on Tuesday night when the two OCs attended a dinner in Mostafi, hosted by Awami League leader Akher Uddin, who faces multiple criminal charges. BNP leaders, upon learning of this, went to the event to document and question why Akher Uddin was hosting a dinner instead of being arrested.

According to witnesses, the police officers reacted aggressively, detaining the BNP members and confiscating their mobile phones.

Protests and Injuries:
The incident led to widespread protests as local BNP leaders and activists demanded the release of the detainees. Demonstrators blocked the Lalmonirhat-Dhaka highway, prompting police to intervene with baton charges. At least 12 people were injured, including BNP leaders Abdus Sattar, Habibur Rahman Nayan, and Biplob Hossain, who were treated at Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital.

The protests escalated, with hundreds of BNP supporters maintaining a highway blockade for five hours, causing significant traffic disruption. The demonstration ended around 4 AM after assurances from the army that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.

Investigation Underway:
Lalmonirhat Police Superintendent Tariqul Islam confirmed the suspension of the two OCs and announced the formation of a three-member committee to investigate the incident within seven days.

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