Police Superintendent Refuses State Salute to Martyrs on Independence Day

District Correspondent

Following his refusal to lay a wreath at the Shaheed Minar on February 21, the Police Superintendent of Brahmanbaria, Ehteshamul Haque, has sparked further controversy by not honoring the martyrs on Independence Day. Despite attending the memorial service on March 26, he neither laid a floral tribute nor gave the mandatory state salute to the martyrs, drawing sharp criticism.

On the first hour of Independence Day, district officials, including the Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Didarul Alam, along with police officers and members of various political, social, and cultural organizations, gathered at Faruqi Park to pay tribute at the Shaheed Bedi. However, the Police Superintendent, Ehteshamul Haque, did not lay a floral tribute. The wreath was laid by Additional Superintendent of Police, Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, on behalf of the police.

During the ‘Guard of Honor’ ceremony to pay respects to the martyrs, both the Deputy Commissioner and Additional Police Superintendent Iqbal Hossain were present, but the Police Superintendent was absent. This is the second consecutive national observance in which he has failed to participate in such an important ceremonial duty.

Earlier, on February 21, International Mother Language Day, he also did not lay flowers at the Shaheed Minar, even though both the Deputy Commissioner and the Additional Superintendent of Police did so alongside him.

This behavior of not paying tribute during two major national days has attracted widespread criticism, with many labeling it as “irresponsibility.” Social media has been flooded with reactions, urging government employees to show due respect on national days.

Leaders of political and social organizations in Brahmanbaria have expressed their disappointment, questioning how such an individual, a senior government official, can neglect such important duties. They raised concerns about his position, given his violation of police regulations and oath.

Abdun Noor, President of the Brahmanbaria Citizens’ Committee, said, “As a public servant, he must comply with the law. Bringing religious reasons into this matter is irrelevant and unjustified. If he did not lay a wreath due to religious reasons, he should not remain in the police force. By not paying respects on national days, the Police Superintendent has shown disrespect for the state’s laws, which amounts to treason.”

District Commissioner Didarul Alam added, “I spoke to him about honoring the Shaheed Minar on February 21, but while he was present, he did not pay tribute. The same thing happened yesterday.”

When contacted for an explanation, Police Superintendent Ehteshamul Haque declined to comment over the phone, stating, “Come to my office; I cannot discuss this over the phone.”