Uttara East: History and Recent Civil Unrest
Uttara East is a key administrative division within the bustling landscape of Dhaka. Originally established on May 31, 1997, the area was first known as Uttara Thana (a Thana is an administrative unit and police station jurisdiction). The name was later updated to Uttara East following the creation of Uttara West Thana to better organize the western side of the region.
Geographically, this thana encompasses a specific set of residential and commercial zones, specifically Sector 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 of the town.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Established: May 31, 1997.
- Former Name: Uttara Thana.
- Composition: Includes Sectors 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8.
- Recent Conflict: Significant violence occurred on August 5, 2024, resulting in at least 10 deaths at the local police station.
- Legal Action: Former officers are currently facing charges of crimes against humanity.
Civil Unrest and the Events of August 2024
The region became a flashpoint for violence on August 5, 2024, amidst widespread protests in Dhaka following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina. The unrest escalated when protesters attacked an Armoured Personnel Carrier (a protected combat vehicle), leading police to respond with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition.
The situation intensified as crowds set fire to the Uttara East Police Station. Reports indicate that plainclothes officers fired from rooftops while the crowd threw projectiles. An army team attempted to extract officers who were still firing from inside the building, but the effort failed. At least 10 people were killed during these specific clashes.
This violence was part of a larger pattern across Dhaka, where at least 66 people died and over a thousand were injured. Multiple police stations, including those in Jatrabari, Tejgaon, Mohammadpur, and Badda, were targeted and set ablaze, forcing police to abandon many of the city's 50 stations.
Legal Aftermath and Accountability
Following the collapse of the Awami League government, legal proceedings began against officials accused of misconduct during the mass uprising. In February 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal issued a warrant for Md Mujibur Rahman, a former officer-in-charge (OC) of the Uttara East police station, following a request by Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim.
Md Mujibur Rahman is one of seven individuals accused of crimes against humanity committed in Mohakhali, Rampura, and Uttara. He had been transferred from his post in August 2024 and is currently in tribunal custody. Additionally, Sub-inspector Shah Alam, who served as OC starting August 1, 2024, escaped custody a day after his arrest in connection with a murder case linked to the July Uprising.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Establishment Date | May 31, 1997 |
| Sectors Covered | 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 |
| August 5 Casualties | At least 10 deaths at the police station |
| Key Accused Official | Md Mujibur Rahman (Former OC) |
| Legal Body | International Crimes Tribunal |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Uttara East established and what was its original name?
Uttara East was established on May 31, 1997, and was originally called Uttara Thana.
Which sectors of the town make up the Uttara East thana?
The thana is formed by Sector 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8.
What happened at the Uttara East Police Station on August 5, 2024?
At least 10 people were killed during violent clashes. Protesters attacked an Armoured Personnel Carrier and set fire to the station, while police responded with live rounds, rubber bullets, and tear gas.
Who is Md Mujibur Rahman and why was he arrested?
Md Mujibur Rahman is a former officer-in-charge of the Uttara East police station. He was arrested following a warrant from the International Crimes Tribunal for alleged crimes against humanity during the mass uprising in Mohakhali, Rampura, and Uttara.
What happened to Sub-inspector Shah Alam?
Sub-inspector Shah Alam, who became OC on August 1, 2024, escaped from custody one day after being arrested in connection with a murder case related to the July Uprising.