Attack on Siddiqur: Rights bodies demand punishment of cops

Human rights bodies today demanded exemplary punishment of the policemen who were responsible for firing a tear gas shell at Titumir College student Siddiqur Rahman damaging his eyes during a demonstration in Shahbagh.

The Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB), a network of 19 rights bodies, also expressed acute resentment over the police action, said a press release today signed by HRFB convener Sheepa Hafiz.

READ MORE: Tear gas shell fired directly at Siddiqur

The association also observed that law enforcers are taking much aggressive position in any rally of general people, including that of students.

The forum wants more responsible, tolerant and lawful behaviour from the law enforcers, added the release.        

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Titumir college student Siddiqur Rahman, whose eyes were damaged in “police excess” during a demonstration in Shahbagh on July 20. File photo

A committee probing the police action has found that a constable fired a tear gas shell at Titumir College student Siddiqur damaging his eyes on July 20.

Several other policemen, including officers concerned of Shahbagh Police Station, were also negligent in their duties, found the probe report submitted by the committee on August 7.

READ MORE: Siddiqur's Eyesight: Little hope of recovery      

Students of seven government colleges affiliated to Dhaka University were protesting at Shahbagh on July 20, pressing for a seven-point demand that included announcement of their exam schedules.