The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gazipur Sadar Police Station, Ariful Islam, has been withdrawn due to his failure to ensure the security of students and the public.
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan confirmed the decision, stating, "I sincerely apologize on behalf of the police force for the incident that occurred on Friday night. I acknowledge our failure. No attackers will be spared—every act of violence will be responded to. Additionally, strict action will be taken against police officers who failed to respond on time."
Following the attack on students and civilians in Gazipur, a high-level meeting was held on Saturday at the Ministry of Home Affairs with law enforcement agencies. It was decided that a joint operation named 'Operation Devil Hunt' would be conducted to restore law and order and bring the perpetrators to justice. The operation will commence immediately in Gazipur and across the country.
On Friday night (February 7) at around 9:00 pm, local residents allegedly attacked students, accusing them of vandalizing and looting the house of former minister and district Awami League president Mozammel Haque in the Dhirashram Dakshinkhan area of Gazipur metropolis. At least 15 students were injured in the attack.
According to leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, most of the injured were taken to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital. Around 3:00 am, two central leaders of the movement, Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah, visited the hospital to meet the injured students.
Activists claimed that they initially received reports of looting and an attack at the former minister's house. In response, a group of 15 to 20 students rushed to the scene to stop the looting. Upon arrival, they reportedly saw the house being ransacked. Before additional students could reach the site, several of them were allegedly dragged to the rooftop and beaten. As more students arrived, they were also attacked by local residents.
Abdullah Al Mahim, Gazipur district coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, alleged that after hearing about the attack and looting at AKM Mozammel Haque's residence, movement activists went to prevent it. However, they were attacked by members of Chhatra League, Jubo League, and local residents, following loudspeaker announcements rallying people against them.
