Young cop awarded 'President's Police Medal' for smart crowd handling

A police personnel of  Dhaka Metropolitan Police has been awarded the prestigious President’s Police Medal (PPM) for his exemplary restraint and intelligence in managing protesters without the use of force. 

The award recognizes his tactful handling of a student protest in front of the Secretariat, where he dispersed the crowd without resorting to violence—a rare and commendable approach in the region.

The decision to honor Riyad Hossain, a constable of DMP, was finalized on March 27 and later made public through a circular issued by the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

The notification, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Tawfiq Ahmed, stated that the award is being granted in recognition of "innovative and intelligent policing strategies that uphold public order while showing respect toward citizens."

The award will take effect from the date mentioned in the circular, although it was not presented during the usual Police Week ceremony, breaking with tradition.

Riyad gained nationwide attention after a video of him went viral on social media. In the video, he was seen pretending to strike protesters with a baton while in fact never making contact—an act that successfully dispersed the crowd without causing harm. His actions were widely praised for their empathy, discipline, and effectiveness, offering a model for non-violent crowd control.

The award acknowledges a shift in the culture of policing, where respectful and smart law enforcement tactics are being recognized and rewarded.