A Dhaka court has expressed dissatisfaction over police inaction in connection with the closure of a Panjabi outlet, “Nabin Fashion,” in the capital’s Moghbazar area, and ordered that the shop be reopened within 24 hours.
The court also summoned the officer-in-charge (OC) of Hatirjheel Police Station, directing him to appear and submit a written explanation within three days.
The order was issued on Wednesday (March 25) by Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, acting as a Justice of Peace under Section 25 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
According to the court order, a report published in an online news portal showed that a group of individuals, accompanied by police, forcibly shut down a Panjabi shop of the “Nabin” brand at Bishal Centre Market in Moghbazar. Although some individuals were seen behaving unruly, police personnel present at the scene appeared to remain inactive.
The court observed that such indifference by law enforcement could create fear among the public. It asked why such conduct should not be declared unlawful and contrary to professional standards.
The OC of Hatirjheel Police Station has been instructed to reopen the shop within 24 hours by being physically present at the location. He has also been directed to submit a detailed report, including the identities of those involved in the incident.
The incident gained attention after a video circulated on social media on March 20, the day before Eid-ul-Fitr. The footage allegedly showed that neighboring businessman’s shut down the “Nabin Fashion” shop for selling Panjabis at comparatively lower prices. Local busenessman reportedly objected, likening the lower pricing to “relief distribution,” while police presence was also visible at the scene.
