A 3-year-old child named Tariqul Islam waiting to see his father at the CMM Court. Photo: Messenger
“The police have arrested my father. See that police van there; he’s in that. I’ll take my father home when the police leave.” This is what 4-year-old Tariqul Islam was saying on Sunday afternoon in front of the lockup at the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court.
The child’s mother, Mitu Begum, was sitting with him. When asked, she told The Daily Messenger that her husband, Nazmul Islam, is a pickup van driver. Police arrested him from the Kamrangirchar area on allegations of being involved in the quota reform movement. He is the family’s only earner. Mitu expressed concern that if the police put her husband’s name in any suspicious case or place him on remand, she would face great trouble with her child.
On Sunday morning from 10 am, a crowd of relatives was seen at the CMM court. Many were standing in front of the lockup, while others were in front of the court building. Many would run when they saw police vans. Before being taken inside, many were shouting from the police vans, “I’m innocent, I’m innocent, I didn’t hit any police, I didn’t attack any establishment. I was at home; the police took me from home.” Others were saying, “I was going to work; the police took me from the road.”
Additionally, most relatives at the court were seen holding water bottles, bananas, bread, cakes, and biscuits. They were trying to give these food items to their loved ones in any way possible. After a while, police vans from different police stations arrived. Detainees were being unloaded from the vans one by one. First, they were taken to the lockup. Then, some with hands tied, some with ropes around their waists, and some handcuffed were taken to court.
At 1:30 pm, 8-10 women were sitting opposite the lockup. Among them was Eti. When asked, she told The Daily Messenger that her brother, Naim Islam, is 20 years old and a rickshaw puller. They live in the Lal Matia area. Police arrested him from there on allegations of being involved in the quota reform movement. She claimed that her brother is a very ordinary person who lives day to day by pulling rickshaws. He was not involved in any incident. Eti said her brother was brought to the lockup from the police station half an hour ago. While many were able to go inside and see their relatives for a moment, she couldn’t go. Eti alleged that those who could enter were paying Tk 150 to the police at the gate. She was also asked for Tk 150 but couldn’t enter as she didn’t have the money.
A woman over 50 was sitting outside the court with bananas and bread. Preferring to be unnamed, she said police had arrested her son and he would be produced in court today (Sunday). She came to see her son for a moment. She didn't want to give more information than this. Expressing frustration, she said, “What will you journalists write? TV doesn't show anything. They are going house to house arresting ordinary sleeping people like this. I'm even scared to tell you anything now. Can't you see DB and detective police roaming around? I'm very afraid they might pick us up too if they see us talking to you. We are living in fear every moment now.”
Molin Khan works at a workshop in Mirpur Pallabi. His wife Kabita alleged in front of the court that police had arrested him. She said Molin was arrested on suspicion while going to the workshop.
Additionally, salesman Ruyel was arrested in a case of vandalism at the BTV centre. His wife Tamanna and son Jisan were sitting at the CMM court on Saturday to see Ruyel. At 1:30 pm on Saturday, Tamanna Begum (28) was crying while hugging her 5-year-old son Jisan on the stairs of the CMM Court. “Your brother is just a salesman; he doesn't do any politics. Police have brought him without any crime. What will happen to my son now?” Tamanna was saying these words to her brother-in-law Mehedi Hasan (22) who was beside her. Speaking to her, it was learned that Tamanna's husband Ruyel Islam (31) works as a salesman at Akij Company. Like other days, Ruhel went to duty on Friday. Police detained him when he went to collect money in the Khilgaon area. Later he was shown arrested in the BTV centre vandalism case.
The Daily Messenger spoke to Delowar Jahan Rumi, a defense lawyer. He said cases have been filed with 500, 1000 or even more unknown accused for attacks on government establishments and police killings in different parts of the capital. Those being produced in court are being asked to name the unknown persons through remand.
The latest data provided by a DMP headquarters source revealed that 2,506 people have been arrested in Dhaka in the last seven days. 252 people were arrested in the last 24 hours. Additionally, according to information sent by correspondents, nearly 9,500 people have been arrested across the country.
Messenger/Fameema
