Highlights
- A Dhaka court has issued Show Cause the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station over the closure of Nobin Fashion in Mogbazar.
- The court ordered that the shop must be reopened within 24 hours in the presence of the OC.
- The judge expressed concern over the passive role of police during the incident.
- The OC has been asked to appear in court within three days and provide a written explanation.
A Dhaka court has expressed dissatisfaction over the role of police in the closure of a Nobin Fashion Punjabi shop in Mogbazar and has summoned the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station. On Wednesday (25 March), Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman issued the order on his own initiative under Section 25 of the Criminal Procedure Code while acting as Justice of Peace.
Order to Reopen Shop Within 24 Hours
The court instructed the OC to go to the location and reopen the shop within the next 24 hours. The order came after media reports showed that a group of people, along with police presence, forced the shop to close inside Bishal Centre Market in Mogbazar.
Court Criticizes Police Inaction
According to the court’s observation, while some individuals behaved in a disorderly manner during the incident, police members present at the scene were seen standing passively without taking action. The court commented that such inactivity by police could create fear among the public and questioned why this behavior should not be declared illegal and unprofessional.
Read More: Nobin Fashion Reopens with Hasnat Abdullah’s Intervention
OC Asked to Provide Written Explanation
The court ordered the OC to appear within three days and submit a written explanation explaining the police’s role during the incident. He was also directed to submit detailed identities of the individuals involved in the shop closure.
Background: Shop Closed Over Low-Price Sales
The incident took place on 20 March, just before Eid-ul-Fitr, when a video spread on social media showing neighbouring traders shutting down the Nobin Fashion shop. They objected to the store selling Punjabis at lower prices, comparing it to “relief distribution,” and claimed it was affecting their business. Police were present during the incident, which later raised public concern and legal scrutiny.
Source: Jugantor
