Constable Md. Riyad Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has been awarded the President’s Police Medal (PPM-Service) for his smart and peaceful handling of protesters.

A video of Riyad recently went viral on social media, showing him dispersing demonstrators without using force. Instead of hitting them, he pretended to swing his baton, which caught public attention and earned wide praise online.

In recognition of his thoughtful approach to managing protests with respect and intelligence, the government awarded him the PPM medal.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday (April 6), and signed earlier on March 27 by Senior Assistant Secretary Tawfiq Ahmed on behalf of the President, the award is now effective.

The notification said that Constable Riyad was recognized for maintaining public order in 2025 through respectful and innovative policing methods.

Riyad will receive the honor through a separate arrangement.