DHAKA: Five sub-inspectors of Gulshan and Darus Salam thanas in the capital were suspended Tuesday for three custodial deaths, as court’s binding orders were followed up with a quick compliance.

They were also withdrawn from their workstations and sent to Rajarbagh police lines, Dhaka Metropolitan Police confirmed the marching orders for the cops deemed at fault.

“The actions were taken in line with recommendations of DMP probe bodies,” Joint Police Commissioner Manjurul Kader told banglanews24.com.bd.

There were no reports of taking action against police officers of Ramna thana for the death of CNG scooter driver Babul Kazi under their custody.

But the investigating officer of the incident, ADC Syed Nazrul Islam, said he did not find any police officers involved in the custodial death of the driver. He said his investigations are “nearly complete”.

Bus-counter master Mujibur Rahman was rescued from Melartek area of Gabtali on July 2 with serious injuries, but he died thereafter. A case was filed against Hekmatullah, Moshiur and Sayem, three police officers of Darus Salam thana.

Tuesday’s actions were taken based on preliminary inquiry reports on Mujib’s death.

Darus Salam thana OC Abdul Malek, confirming the news to banglanews24.com.bd, said the suggestions of inquiry report reached the police station in the early hours of Tuesday and they were relieved of their responsibilities “immediately”.

The three packed their bags in the morning and were sent to the police lines.

Jahangir, brother of Mujibur, in his reaction hoped that the inquiry would be “impartial”.

Two police officers of Gulshan thana were closed Tuesday following the death of businessman Mizanur Rahman under their jurisdiction on June 29.

Gulshan thana OC Kamaluddin told banglanews24.com.bd that the two SIs were suspended in line with the suggestions of the inquiry committee. They were sent to Rajarbagh police lines.

On Monday, the High Court asked the government to form a committee, excluding any police representative, to investigate the reported custodial deaths and take preventive actions within set timeframes.

The HC order came from the bench of justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury and justice Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain following a writ petition filed Monday by Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation chairman Advocate Elina Khan and Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh general secretary Advocate Asad Uz Zaman.

BDST/1725, July 6, 2010