Constable suspended for harassing woman for wearing teep
The incident triggered widespread criticism and protests both online and offline
The policeman, who harassed and verbally abused a female teacher for wearing a teep has been suspended as the police finally identified him.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam told the media that Constable Nazmul Tareq, who has been working at the Protection Division, has been closed as he confessed to the allegations during primary interrogation.
"A two-member probe body has been formed and the committee will submit a report within three days," added the DMP commissioner.
Tejgaon College teacher Lata Samaddar told The Business Standard that she appreciated the police's effort to identify the individual.
"He has been finally identified and departmental actions will be taken against him," said DMP's Tejgaon Division deputy commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarker.
Lata Samaddar filed a general diary (GD) with the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station against the policeman for harassment and an attempt on her life for wearing a teep.
In the GD filed on 2 April, Lata stated that a man wearing a police uniform hurled verbal abuse at her for wearing a teep near the Farmgate area in the capital Saturday.
"When I protested, the policeman tried to run me over with his motorcycle. I moved away and tried to save my life. But I fell under the bike and got severely injured," she added.
Lata said that when she informed nearby traffic police officers, they advised her to file a complaint at the police station.
The incident triggered widespread criticism and protests both online and offline.
On Monday, 16 eminent citizens and human rights activists of the country issued a statement in protest of the verbal abuse and disrespect of female college teacher Lata Samaddar by a policeman.
We are angry, stunned by the act of a policeman. The responsibility of the police of an independent country is to ensure the safety of all citizens including women and children. Security also includes human dignity and respect for women, they said.
Advocate Sultana Kamal, former caretaker government adviser and human rights activist; Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB; Rana Dasgupta, prosecutor, International Criminal Tribunal; Asif Nazrul, professor, Dhaka University, Barrister Sara Hossain, honorary executive director, Blast signed the statement among others.
Earlier on Sunday Actor Subarna Mustafa MP, at a point-of-order in the National Parliament, denounced the reported harassment before demanding strict and prompt action against the harasser.