The brutal assault on Dhaka University students and journalists during a so-called anti-narcotics drive at Suhrawardy Udyan on February 23 exemplifies a disturbing and unacceptable pattern of police brutality that targets ordinary citizensโparticularly young people and those exercising their right to be in public spaces after eveningโunder the pretext of combating drugs.
Videos circulating widely on social media and reports from multiple outlets show police officers beating DU Anthropology student Nayem Uddin (also known as Naim Uddin), who was pulled from behind, thrown to the ground, and struck with batons while speaking to Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner Masud Alam.
Multimedia journalists Tofayel Ahmed of Banglanews24.com and Kawsher Ahmed Ripon of Ajker Patrika were also assaultedโTofayel was beaten with sticks while attempting to record the operation, and Ripon was attacked when he intervened. Three DU students were detained during the raid and handed over to the university’s proctorial team, despite no narcotics reportedly being found on them at the time.
This heavy-handed policing, which included arbitrary searches, confiscation of phones, and physical violence against individuals simply present in a public park, has sparked outrage and protests.
On February 24, DU students rallied in front of Shahbagh Police Station, demanding an end to unwarranted policing in university areas and the city, immediate legal action against the officers involved, and an independent investigation. Student organisations, including the Bangladesh Chhatra Federation’s DU unit, formed human chains and processions in solidarity, condemning the persistence of unprofessional police behaviour and calling for systemic reform.
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In response, DMP officials described the incidents as resulting from a “misunderstanding” or “exaggerated arguments,” claiming a constable was injured by an addict during the operation. Four police members have been “closed” (withdrawn from duty) and face departmental action, while DC Masud Alam apologised to the journalists and promised accountability. Yet such measures ring hollow when the root issueโexcessive force against non-suspectsโremains unaddressed.
This incident is particularly alarming in light of Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon’s recent statements signalling aggressive anti-narcotics actions, including targeting teenagers and young people found outside after evening hours. His reported assertion that such drives must continue “no matter if it violates the constitution” (with legal concerns to be addressed later) has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and students for encouraging unchecked police overreach.
The culture of police brutality in public spaces like parksโharassing, searching, and assaulting citizens, especially students and journalists, while failing to dismantle actual drug syndicates and high-level smugglersโmust be unequivocally condemned.
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Suhrawardy Udyan, a historic site of public gathering and student respite, should not become a zone of intimidation where young people fear arbitrary violence for simply being present after dark. True anti-narcotics efforts require intelligence-led operations against kingpins and networks, not blanket harassment of the public that erodes trust in law enforcement and violates fundamental rights.
Senior journalist Probir Kumar Sarker said that the authorities must go beyond token suspensions: conduct a transparent, independent probe; prosecute those responsible for excessive force; implement strict guidelines prohibiting unwarranted violence during routine operations; and shift focus to dismantling real drug lords rather than terrorising ordinary citizens.
Anything less perpetuates impunity, alienates youth, and undermines the rule of law in a society still recovering from political turmoil. The government and police leadership bear direct responsibility to end this dangerous pattern and restore public spaces as safe havens, not sites of state-sponsored intimidation.
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