Sanjida Afrin, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the wife of President's APS Azizul Haque, has stated that her husband, along with Chhatra League leaders, initiated an attack on now-suspended ADC Harun or Rashid during her medical check-up at Birdem General Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday.
Sanjida made these revelations during an interview with a private television channel, and the video of her statement quickly went viral on social media on Tuesday.
In her account of the incident, Sanjida explained: "I had been suffering from severe chest pain for several days and needed to consult a doctor. As Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital falls under ADC Harun's jurisdiction, I sought his assistance to obtain an appointment with a doctor."
Harun assured her of his support and arranged for a doctor who would conduct some tests on her.
Sanjida continued: "I was in the room where the Exercise Tolerance Testing (ETT) was being performed. About 15-20 minutes later, I heard a commotion outside. I heard ADC Harun shouting at someone to release him."
When she went out to investigate, Sanjida discovered that the man assaulting Harun was her own husband. She said: "I do not know why he was there or what his purpose was. He appeared to be in an unstable mental state and was accompanied by some other individuals whom I did not recognize. They brought ADC Harun into the ETT room to assault him."
"At that moment, Harun sought refuge in the room I was in for his own safety. An uncomfortable situation arose when so many people entered the ETT room, as there are restrictions in that area. I was shouting, as nobody was supposed to enter that room."
Sanjida went on: "My husband then instructed the people accompanying him to record the incident on video. Everyone began using their phones to capture the scene. While they were recording, I engaged in a conversation with my husband and those with him.
"I tried to confiscate the mobile phones of those filming what was happening because I did not want anyone to record me in that state. I was also unfamiliar with the men accompanying my husband.
"In that tense situation, my husband, APS Azizul Haque, raised his hand toward me while attempting to remove Harun from the room. ADC Harun did not feel safe at that time. Subsequently, hospital security personnel arrived. About 10-15 minutes later, when reinforcements arrived, they left the premises."
When questioned about the location and timing of these events, Sanjida Afrin stated: "My doctor's appointment was scheduled for around 6:30pm. ADC Harun arrived around 7pm, and the doctor came later. I entered the doctor's chamber. The incident occurred on the fourth floor in the cardiology department of Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital."
Regarding whether her husband was aware of her illness, Sanjida clarified: "My husband knew that I was unwell, but he was unaware that I was going to see the doctor that day. Prior to this, he was supposed to accompany me to see a doctor on several occasions, but for various reasons, it did not happen. I had been experiencing severe chest pain for six-seven days. Besides, I do not always share everything with him. Given the intensity of my pain, I decided to visit the doctor independently."
Suspended ADC Harun or Rashid of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has since been attached to the Rangpur Range DIG office, following allegations of assaulting two central Chhatra League leaders, two transfers in one day and his subsequent suspension.
The Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification in this regard on Tuesday evening.
According to reports, the incident occurred after ADC Harun took two Chhatra League leaders to Shahbagh police station on Saturday.
As Chhatra League leaders alleged, on Saturday night, ADC Harun was chatting with a female police officer at Birdem General Hospital.
At that time, the female officer's husband, also a government official, accompanied by the two Chhatra League leaders, arrived at the scene.
An altercation ensued between ADC Harun and the official. Later, Harun took the two Chhatra League leaders to Shahbagh police station, where they were allegedly tortured.