A traffic police constable named Farjul Islam Rony has been temporarily suspended in Kushtia for allegedly making a derogatory post on Facebook about the July uprising.
Faisal Mahmud, additional superintendent of police (crime and ops) in Kushtia, confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune on Saturday.
He stated that the suspension order was issued on Thursday, and an investigation is underway for taking further departmental action.
He added: “Following the incident, he was ordered to report to the police lines. He is currently on leave. His whereabouts are unknown. We are unable to trace him.”
Earlier, on Tuesday, in the afternoon, Farjul Islam Rony, who is posted in the Kushtia traffic division, reportedly made a Facebook post from his personal account that was deemed insulting towards the July uprising.
After the post came to light, it sparked outrage among students. Protest marches were held demanding his arrest and exemplary punishment.
Demonstrators also blockaded the Kushtia-Meherpur road in front of the Kushtia superintendent of police’s office as part of a sit-in protest.
Later that night, the accused was attached to the police lines. A probe committee has been formed to investigate the incident.
Mostafizur Rahman, member secretary of the Kushtia unit of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said: “Farjul Islam of the Kushtia traffic police used extremely offensive language about July in his Facebook post. After it came to our attention, we protested, demanding his arrest.”
He further said: “Last July, the police opened fire indiscriminately in Kushtia, killing students and civilians. Armed activists from the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League are still issuing threats. Acting as an ally of the Awami League, the police have again made offensive remarks about July this year. The police have not reformed; they continue to work on behalf of the Awami League.”
