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February 25, 2026 – Bangladesh –
Widespread protests broke out in Dhaka, Bangladesh, after police assaulted journalists and Dhaka University (DU) students during an anti-drug operation at Suhrawardy Udyan on 23 February 2026, drawing public criticism of law-enforcement conduct and concerns about press freedom and civil liberties. Demonstrators are demanding accountability, justice for the victims, and reforms to police procedures.
The confrontation occurred when officers from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) executed an anti-narcotics drive involving roughly 70 uniformed personnel. Journalists covering the event — including Tofayel Ahmed of Banglanews24.com and Kawsar Ahmed Ripon of Ajker Patrika — were struck with batons by responding officers while recording the scene. Student bystanders, such as Dhaka University student Nayeem Uddin, were also reportedly beaten and temporarily detained despite not being involved with the anti-drug operation.
Video footage and eyewitness accounts shared on social media show officers aggressively pushing and striking journalists and students, with some clips depicting police dragging individuals across the park grounds as the crowd looked on. Many journalists sustained visible injuries, and some had their equipment damaged. The aggressive response triggered shock within both media circles and civil society, prompting calls for a transparent inquiry.
In reaction to the public uproar, DMP suspended four officers believed to be involved in the incident and initiated internal departmental action. Deputy Commissioner Md Masud Alam confirmed that a formal investigation was underway and that additional personnel might face disciplinary measures. Police officials stressed that the anti-drug operation was a routine security action, though they acknowledged that standards of conduct would be reviewed.
Meanwhile, students from Dhaka University and allied groups organised protests outside Shahbagh Police Station and at various points around the city, carrying banners and chanting slogans calling for police accountability, the release of detained students, and protection for journalists. Student leaders and civil liberties advocates characterised the police assault as an infringement on constitutional rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, and press coverage of public events.
Journalism organisations also condemned the violence, calling on law enforcement to respect media credentials and avoid the use of force against reporters performing their duty. The incident has sparked broader debate in Bangladesh about policing tactics in public spaces, the safety of journalists covering state operations, and mechanisms to prevent future clashes between law enforcement and civilians documenting official actions.
The situation remains fluid as investigations continue and protests are expected to persist in the coming days, with both student groups and media rights defenders pushing for concrete reforms and stronger safeguards for press freedom and civil liberties in the country.
Reference –
https://www.pressreader.com/bangladesh/the-business-standard/20260225/281539412432179
https://www.observerbd.com/news/567393
https://www.newagebd.net/post/country/292207/protests-erupt-as-police-beat-journalists-du-students
