On-duty traffic constable Liakat Ali stopped Abdus Sattar, 57, former MP of Mymensingh-8, who tried to pass by rickshaw through the road from Matsya Bhaban.

At this, the former lawmaker slapped the constable.

Liakat called and sought help from traffic Sergeant Saifur, who came forward and demanded an explanation for Sattar's behaviour.

In response, Sattar only identified himself as a former MP.

Saifur offered Sattar a ride on his motorbike to pass the road and was refused. Moreover, the former lawmaker also slapped him at this stage.

Sattar also slapped Additional Deputy Commissioner (Traffic South) Md Shajahan when he arrived on the already crowded scene.

He also assaulted ATN Bangla special correspondent Ashok Chowdhury and The Daily Star senior reporter Julfikar Ali Manik when they enquired about his misconduct.

Admitting that his behaviour was wrong, Sattar told The Daily Star he did it whimsically.

His wife Rokeya Sattar said he has been mentally disturbed for the last 10 days.

Family sources said Sattar, a contractor of Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (Desa), went to its Motijheel office to collect a bill around 9:30am. The incident took place while he was returning to his Dhanmondi residence.

They also said he recently developed the habit of addressing people by touching their faces and claimed this is not "slapping".

Police arrested and sent him to Shahbagh Police Station. Liakat filed a case with the Shahbagh PS.