Touching the feet of a senior leader

A video circulating widely on social media shows a serving police sergeant Arif, kneeling and touching the feet of BNP senior leader Mr. Rizvi. In our cultural tradition, such an act is often regarded as a gesture of deep respect toward elders or revered personalities — a social moor that is still accepted in many parts of society. From that perspective, his action might be seen as an expression of cultural courtesy.

However, the issue becomes sensitive because the individual in question is a uniformed police officer. In the police service, there are clear and established protocols for showing respect or courtesy, such as saluting or standing to attention. By choosing a gesture outside those prescribed norms, the sergeant acted contrary to the professional conduct expected of him. Consequently, he was withdrawn from active duty and attached to the police lines pending further administrative action.

Observers have interpreted the incident in varying ways. Some view it as a simple personal gesture without political motive, while others suspect it to be an act of calculated allegiance — possibly intended to secure future favor or preferential treatment in postings or transfers. Regardless of intent, such behavior, when performed in uniform, stands in violation of the police conduct rules, which emphasize political neutrality and adherence to institutional decorum.