Police detain DU student for playing 7 March speech at Chankharpul

Police have detained two people, including a Dhaka University (DU) student, for playing the historic 7 March speech on a sound system at Chankharpul intersection in the capital.

The incident took place on Saturday afternoon, when members of Shahbagh Police Station seized the sound box from the spot and detained the two individuals involved.

The first detainee has been identified as Asif Ahmed, a student of the Physics Department of Dhaka University from the 2018–19 academic session and a resident of Shahidullah Hall. Another individual, who was operating the sound system, was also held.

According to eyewitnesses, a brief argument took place between the student and the police members when the latter asked about the speech.

At one point, the officers seized the sound system and detained the two individuals.

Confirming the matter, Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Moniruzzaman said that the sound system was playing Bangabandhu’s 7 March speech and that it was prohibited.

“It was playing Bangabandhu’s 7 March speech. It is banned and that is why it was brought here,” he said.

When asked whether any complaint had been filed in this regard, the OC said the police acted after receiving complaints.

“We responded because there were complaints,” he added.

Regarding the next course of action, the OC said the matter was still under consideration.

Police said they will decide the next steps after further discussion.