Three coordinators of the quota reform movement have been placed in police custody for their protection, Harun-or-Rashid, Chief of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said on Saturday (27 July).
“We brought the chief coordinators Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmood, and Abu Bakar Majumdar into custody last night. They had expressed concerns about their safety on Facebook from various locations, and one of their fathers also voiced similar concerns. As law enforcement, it is our responsibility to ensure their safety if they report security threats. Thus, we are providing them with secure protection,” said the DB chief.
Harun explained the reason for their detention during a press conference held at the DB office on Minto Road in Dhaka.
He added, “We have also interrogated Nur and other leaders. Based on their statements, we have learned that they have been in contact with the coordinators. Therefore, we will question them further to understand what has been discussed with other leaders, while continuing to provide them with safe security.”
Previously, on Friday (July 26), relatives of Nahid reported that around 3:30pm, a group of people identifying themselves as law enforcement officers picked up Nahid from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital. Later, Asif and Bakar were also taken.
They were taken into custody once before. Nahid was initially taken from Nandipara in Khilgaon on the night of 19 July and was later abandoned in the Purbachal area on 21 July.
Similarly, Asif and Bakar were taken on 19 July and were released five days later, with Asif being abandoned in Hatirjheel and Bakar in Dhanmondi on 24 July. Since then, Asif has been receiving treatment at the Gonoshahthya Nagar Hospital, where Bakar has been accompanying him. All three are students of Dhaka University.
