Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police for the Dhaka Range, Rezaul Karim Mallick, visited sites of attacks, vandalism, and arson at government offices and the police station in Bhanga upazila following protests against the reorganization of two unions in Faridpur-4 constituency.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “We will take all necessary measures to maintain public peace and order. I have spoken to those responsible for security here, and they have briefed me. I have instructed them to take all necessary actions to uphold law and order.”
He made these remarks while returning to Dhaka around 12:00 am on Monday (15 September). Earlier, he inspected the damaged offices in the upazila and issued instructions for necessary measures. After visiting the affected sites, he held an emergency meeting with various officials of the upazila.
He also stated, “Those involved in fascist activities will certainly be brought under the law. I have already instructed that they be arrested. In this incident, 4–5 police personnel were injured. Legal action will be taken against the perpetrators. Responsibility for the damage to Bhanga police station has been assigned to the district police, and for the upazila parishad, to the district administration.”
Faridpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kamrul Hasan Molla said, “We have discussed the matter with the Election Commission and submitted a report reflecting the public’s sentiments. This will be taken into consideration. Since a writ petition has been filed in the High Court regarding the cutting of two unions, the hearing on 21 September will clarify the situation.”
The DC urged the people of Bhanga to remain calm, advising, “Please withdraw from your programmes and wait for the proper time. To preserve the reputation of Bhanga and prevent hardship for the people, step back from your activities.”
Also present during the visit were Additional DIG of Dhaka Range Siddiqur Rahman, Faridpur DC Md Kamrul Hasan Molla, Faridpur SP MA Jalil, Additional SP (Bhanga Circle) Asif Iqbal, Officer-in-Charge of Bhanga Police Station Mohammad Ashraf Hossain, and Officer-in-Charge of Highway Police Station Md Rokibuzzaman, among others.