A police sub-inspector (SI) lost one of his eyes in an alleged attack by hijras (people of the third gender) in the capital’s Paribagh area on Thursday midnight.
The injured police officer Muzahidul Islam, a former student of Dhaka University, was undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Opthalmology & Hospital (NIOH).
SI Muzahid told the Bangladesh Post, “I was on patrol duty at midnight on Thursday, accompanied by an Ansar, a constable, and a driver. That night, we received information from Shahbagh police station about hijras robbing rickshaws and engaging in immoral acts in the Paribagh area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Ramna police station.
“Upon receiving this information, my team rushed to the location at around 2:40 am. As we approached the Paribagh foot-over bridge, we witnessed a group of hijras robbing a rickshaw puller.”
“When we arrived, the hijras attacked us,” he added. “At one point, they started throwing bricks.
A piece of brick struck my eye, penetrating my glasses and causing a serious injury.”
“My team members then rushed me to the Central Police Hospital in Rajarbagh. From there, I was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. After that now I am undergoing treatment at NIOH,” he continued.
Muzahid is currently receiving treatment from a medical board headed by Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Quader.
Ramna police station OC Utpal Barua stated, “Hijras frequently rob rickshaws and commit immoral acts in the Paribagh area. To protect the general public from these attacks, we patrol the area daily.”
“The Ramna police team conducted a special operation to prevent these immoral acts. During the operation at midnight on Thursday, the hijras threw bricks at the police. One of Muzahid’s eyes was destroyed, and he sustained injuries to various parts of his face,” he added.
A case has been filed regarding the incident. SI Habib, the investigation officer (IO), reported, “Three individuals involved in this incident have been arrested so far.”
Abu Ansar, Inspector (Investigation) of Ramna Model police station, told the Bangladesh Post, “Muzahidul is one of our best officers. He lost his eye while protecting people. I pray for his speedy recovery.”
