Public outrage erupted in Sylhet as former additional deputy commissioner of police, Sadeq Kawsar Dastagir, was brought to court under tight security for his alleged involvement in the murder of journalist ATM Turab.
Protesters chanted slogans demanding his execution, with many attempting to physically assault him despite law enforcement efforts to maintain order.
The investigation officer of the case, Mohammad Morsalin, an inspector with the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), sought a seven-day remand for Sadeq Kawsar in the murder case.
However, the Sylhet Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Abdul Momen approved a five-day remand.
Sylhet PBI Superintendent of Police Khaled-Uz-Zaman confirmed the matter.
Plaintiff’s lawyer Abdur Rob said: “Video footage from the day shows police officer Dastagir taking a firearm from a constable and firing shots. Journalist Turab was killed by one of these shots. We informed the court that this was a premeditated murder and requested remand to uncover who else might be involved. The court considered this request.”
Witnesses said that Sadeq Kawsar was punched and slapped multiple times by people while being escorted to the third floor of the court.
Law enforcement officers tried to restrain the attackers. Later, as he was taken from the third floor after the hearing at around 5:30pm, he faced further physical assaults.
Following the proceedings, he was safely escorted from the court premises to the PBI Sylhet office.
ATM Turab was shot dead at Court Point, Sylhet, on July 19.
Several police officers, including Moin Uddin, were involved in the shooting, according to the case filed at Kotwali police station under Sylhet Metropolitan Police.