Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has withdrawn Traffic Sergeant Md. Ariful Islam and reassigned him to DMP Headquarters following a viral video showing him touching the feet of BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi while on duty.
The incident surfaced on Friday (7 November) when a video spread widely on social media. In the footage, Sergeant Ariful—wearing his uniform and performing traffic duties under the Mirpur Traffic Division—was seen saluting Rizvi by touching his feet, sparking widespread discussion and criticism.
Later that evening, an official order signed by District Superintendent (Traffic–Mirpur) Gautam Kumar Biswas stated that Sergeant Ariful was withdrawn “on administrative grounds” and attached to DMP Headquarters with immediate effect.
According to police sources, the incident occurred around midday in Mirpur during Ariful’s regular traffic duties. The video quickly gained traction online, drawing questions about professionalism and political neutrality within the force.
Earlier, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali had issued strict instructions for all members of the force to maintain absolute political neutrality ahead of the upcoming national election. He emphasized that no police official should show favoritism toward any political party or individual. He also urged officers to remain professional and cautious to avoid any misunderstandings with the public.
