The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will take action against any road blockades, Additional Commissioner (Crime and Ops) Kh Mahid Uddin has warned.
Recent quota reform protests had caused significant disruptions in the capital, the senior police officer noted on Thursday, adding that the police had so far permitted the movement to continue.
“However, any further road blockades will be dealt with according to the law,” he announced during a press conference.
Addressing various pressing issues, Mahid mentioned that the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a status quo on quotas, saying the police “therefore believe there is no longer a justification for the quota movement.
In the face of intense protests, the government in 2018 abolished the quota system for grades 9 to 13.
Recently, the High Court declared the circular illegal, prompting students and job seekers from various educational institutions to resume their demonstrations from July 1.
Protesters, under the banner of Bangla Blockade, have enforced road blockade programs, causing severe inconvenience for Dhaka residents.
Mahid Uddin addressed the issue with the protesters scheduled to continue the protests in the afternoon.
The officer said that with the Appellate Division ordering a four-week status quo, there was no longer any justification for causing public suffering from now.
He emphasized that while the police had sympathy and respect for the protesting students, they were also bound to uphold the country’s laws and the directives of the apex court.
“Since the students are educated, I kindly request on behalf of the DMP that they refrain from any programs that cause public suffering.”
Noting the disruptions caused over the past 10 days in various parts of Dhaka, including Shahbagh and Science Lab, he said the police respected everyone’s rights but were also committed to ensuring the safety and mobility of the city’s residents.
“The directives from the top court are in favour of the students. Therefore, if there is no justification for the protests, they should not proceed [with their upcoming protests]. We urge the students not to continue with the protests. If they do not comply with the directives and continue protesting, it will be considered an offence.
“Over the past 10 days, no police officer has behaved in a manner that could question their professionalism. I believe the students will uphold that respect.”