DMP chief Talks over Attack on Hero Alam

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq has spoken out about the security breakdown that resulted in the attack on Dhaka 17 by-polls candidate Ashraful Alam alias Hero Alom, one week after the event.

"Hero Alom visited the same center once more without letting the police know. Therefore, criminals took advantage of this circumstance and attacked him," the senior official claimed on Saturday, July 22, during a gathering held by the Bangladesh Shop Owners Association at the city's Palwell Market.

After being removed along with his employees owing to problems at the center, Hero Alom was reportedly outdoors, according to Commissioner Faruq. 

The police are investigating the incident and looking into CCTV evidence to find the attackers. After a case was filed against 15–20 unidentified individuals in connection with the attack on Hero Alom, nine people have so far been apprehended. 

Locals on the scene said that Alom was snapping photographs with admirers when a group of individuals approached him and told him it was inappropriate for him to be shooting TikTok video at that hour or in that location. They pursued him and violently attacked him after he reacted.

At the Palwell Market event, the DMP commissioner informed guests that the police are dedicated to protecting businessmen's security.

He asserted that there had been a tremendous increase in law and order during the previous 15 years, adding that "businesses are no longer burdened with extortion and are running their businesses smoothly."

Highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive relationship between the police and businessmen, Commissioner Faruq urged businessmen to report any incidents of extortion or attempts to harm their businesses, promising swift action by the police.

"It is the duty of the police to protect businessmen from any form of oppression or harm. We will ensure that," he said, adding that a faster alternative to this can be calling 999 - the national emergency service.

Further reiterating the police's determination to maintain a safe and secure environment for all, he said legal action will be taken against miscreants regardless of their political identity.