Dhaka, May 30 (V7N) – The Bangladesh Jewelers Association (BAJUS) has indefinitely suspended its previously announced countrywide shutdown of jewelry establishments, following the arrest of its Vice President Md. Ripnul Hasan. The decision comes amid hopes for justice and ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival.

In a press release issued on Thursday, BAJUS stated that the suspension of the strike was a strategic move to allow room for a fair investigation and unbiased legal proceedings concerning the controversial arrest.

Md. Ripnul Hasan was reportedly detained by members of the Detective Branch (DB) from his business premises at Tanti Bazar in Dhaka at around 7:30 PM on May 28. According to BAJUS, the arrest was made based on a “false and harassing case” where the police allegedly misrepresented him as holding a fabricated political identity.

BAJUS firmly denied these allegations, asserting:

“Ripnul Hasan never held any political position as claimed in the case, nor has he ever been affiliated with any political party.”

In protest, jewelry establishments across the country shut down for a full day, with jewelry traders organizing protest rallies, processions, and human chains to demand the unconditional release of Ripnul Hasan and to protest the “false and harassing” legal action.

BAJUS noted:

“The unified protest from jewelers across the country has set a unique example of business solidarity.”

The central committee expressed gratitude to all jewelry owners for their spontaneous and peaceful participation in the protest.

BAJUS announced the indefinite suspension of the shutdown program, urging jewelry business owners to reopen their establishments from Friday (May 30).

The statement read:

“The decision has been made considering the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha and in anticipation of a fair investigation. However, if justice is not served and Ripnul Hasan is not cleared of the false charges, BAJUS will be compelled to launch a tougher program.”

The BAJUS leadership has formally appealed to the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, along with the Home, Legal, Finance, Commerce, and Industry Advisors, as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner, seeking their immediate intervention in ensuring justice for Ripnul Hasan.

The jewelry business community remains on high alert, and while shops will reopen, BAJUS has left no doubt that further unrest could follow if their demands are not met.

END/MSS/AJ