Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has honored Dhanmondi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Keshinyu Marma for his calm and professional response during a late-night standoff with anti-discrimination student protesters outside the home of Haqqani Publishers’ owner in Dhanmondi.
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sazzat Ali summoned OC Marma to his office on Wednesday (May 21) and awarded him for “exemplary mob control.” A DMP statement praised his patience and professionalism in defusing the tense situation and described his actions as a model for all officers.
The incident occurred Monday night when a group identifying themselves as leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement gathered outside the home of Golam Mostafa, the publisher’s owner, shouting slogans and accusing him of being an Awami League supporter. When police intervened, the group demanded his arrest. Tensions escalated, and after a confrontation with police, three protesters were detained and taken to the Dhanmondi Police Station.
The following day, National Citizens Party (NCP) Senior Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud appeared at the station and secured the release of the three individuals—Saiful Islam Rabbi, Farhan Sarkar Dina, and Mohammadullah Zisan—on bail. The incident was caught on camera, with Masud appearing visibly uncomfortable under media scrutiny.
All three detainees are affiliated with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Notably, Saiful Islam Rabbi had already been suspended from his organizational role due to alleged misconduct.
Masud’s involvement in their release has sparked backlash within his party. On Wednesday, the NCP issued him a show-cause notice, demanding an explanation within three days as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. The party cited his violation of internal decisions, especially his support for a suspended activist.
The dual developments—the commendation of OC Marma and the internal party dispute over the detainees’ release—highlight both the complexities of managing street protests and the political tension surrounding the anti-discrimination student movement.
