KOYRA TRADER BEATEN AT POLICE STATION, BUSINESSES CLOSE INDEFINITELY
Photo Collected
Shopkeepers in Khulna’s Kalaroa market have launched an indefinite strike and protests, closing all businesses since Sunday morning, to demand justice for a fellow trader allegedly beaten by police officers. The widespread shutdown follows an announcement Saturday night calling for action against the police over the alleged “unjust physical torture and extreme humiliation” of electronics businessman Md. Asadullah.
The market, typically bustling, remained deserted Sunday with rows of shutters pulled down, as many shoppers arrived only to find stores closed. Local businessmen confirmed their indefinite closure of establishments, vowing to maintain the protest until the two accused police officers face disciplinary action.
According to a report by *Prothom Alo*, Md. Asadullah recounted the sequence of events that began last Friday morning when he visited the Kalaroa raw market. Upon returning, he found his motorcycle blocked by another vehicle. When he asked the owner to move it, he discovered the individual was Sub-Inspector (SI) Fazlur Rahman of Kalaroa Police Station. Asadullah alleged that SI Rahman responded rudely, took his motorcycle key, and retreated into a shop. The key was returned only after locals gathered, accompanied by a threat from the officer.
Later that Friday evening, Asadullah stated that a person identifying himself as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Akash called, instructing him and his father to report to the police station immediately. He arrived around 7 p.m. and claims two police officers began beating him as they dragged him inside, pulling him up to the second floor without allowing him to lift his head. He told *Prothom Alo* he still suffers from body pains. Asadullah further alleged that SI Fazlur Rahman and ASI Akash continued the assault until he was brought into the Officer-in-Charge’s (OC) room, where the second officer of the station reportedly criticized the behavior of the two accused. While his father demanded justice for the beating, the OC expressed regret and attempted to mediate the situation.
Md. Anarul Islam, a resident near the Kalaroa Police Station, corroborated part of Asadullah’s account, telling *Prothom Alo* that he witnessed police officers beating Asadullah as they led him into the station, a sight that left bystanders stunned.
Md. Zulfikar Alam, President of the Kalaroa Market Businessmen’s Association, expressed outrage over the incident. “Asad is a very innocent and decent young man. Businessmen are furious over this harassment,” he told *Prothom Alo*, reiterating the association’s demand for exemplary punishment for the culpable officers and confirming the market-wide closure.
SI Fazlur Rahman, however, denied the allegations of physical assault, characterizing the incident as a “misunderstanding” that has since been resolved. He stated that he had served in Kalaroa Police Station for nine months without any prior disputes with locals. Both he and ASI Akash have been transferred to the Police Lines in connection with the incident.
Kalaroa Police Station OC Md. Shah Alam acknowledged that an “unanticipated incident” had occurred. He stated that efforts are underway to resolve the matter and confirmed that the two accused officers have been transferred. The OC also urged businessmen to call off their strike, affirming, “We take a stand against any injustice or crime, no matter who the perpetrator is.”
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