Over 200 police members leak information to fugitive officers

Over 200 police members from the ousted Awami League (AL) government’s inner circle remain active in the force, leaking information to fugitive and dismissed officers, intelligence agencies say.

According to intelligence data, close associates of former Police Special Branch (SB) chief Monirul Islam, former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Detective Branch (DB) chief Harun Or Rashid, and former joint commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar are active.

At the same time, by contacting media personnel, they are trying to construct anti-government narratives both domestically and abroad.

When asked about the situation, Assistant Inspector General (Media) of Police Headquarters AHM Shahadat Hossain told Agamir Somoy, “The issue regarding individuals absent from the workplace is being reviewed departmentally. Besides, if evidence of violation of service rules is found against those working, departmental action will be taken according to the rules.”

Their actions and movements are under 24-hour constant surveillance. Apart from officers at various ranks, a large section of the circle previously served as bodyguards, drivers, and orderlies for the fugitive officials. Members who worked as close associates executing “special assignments” are also on the list.

Following 5 August 2024, although officers known as accomplices of the AL - a party whose activities are banned - went into hiding, their close associates remain stationed in important units across the police. Not only that, political influencers are lobbying to get them posted to places of their choice. In some instances, DO letters from ministers and MPs have even been issued.

Officials from Police Headquarters and the Ministry of Home Affairs said several ministers and MPs have lobbied to prevent the transfer of at least 20 individuals who maintain close ties with the fugitive syndicate. The list of lobbyists also includes influential officials from various ministries.

If their requests are not honored, attempts are made to apply various labels through social activists located inside the country and abroad. The syndicate connection list features more than 50 police members who formerly served as drivers and bodyguards for fugitive officers.

Although officers who went into hiding remained quiet for a time, their old network is has been revived. They are attempting to create an unstable environment within the force. Many have also turned active on social media platforms.

As a result, former SB chief Monirul Islam has been giving live interviews on various Facebook pages, with several of his statements already sparking controversy.

Accomplices still retained

Close associates of the fugitives still hold key positions across Police Headquarters, DB, SB, CID, APBn, and RAB. This list includes Headquarters DIG Operations (17th BCS batch officer) Rezaul Karim.

During the AL government, he held the positions of AIG administration and additional DIG Special Crimes. At that time, he was one of the primary architects behind fabricating anti-BNP narratives.

His promotion was previously stalled due to joint business dealings with former IGP Shahidul Haque’s brother and corruption allegations at the ACC. Following 5 August 2024, claiming to be deprived, he secured a promotion and was posted as DIG Operations.

Police officers alleged that while serving as AIG Administration, Rezaul Karim, in collusion with Habib, Proloy, and Biplob, engaged in several controversial acts, including cutting down two almond trees planted by former prime minister and former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia.

BCS police officer (25th batch) Mahfuzur Rahman Dipu, a close associate of former SB chief Monirul Islam, served for an extended period in DB and as superintendent of police (SP) in Cox’s Bazar. He is attached to APBn. Another close associate, former Chandpur SP Saiful, is serving as SP (Administration) at Sarda.

Additional DIG (24th batch) Asma Siddika Mili, a close associate of former DMP commissioner Habibur, was initially transferred to Rangpur but was then transferred back to the CID Training School in Dhaka.

Additional DIG Mohibul Islam of the same batch is serving in a critical unit like ATU. Monir-associate 27th batch officer Mahfuza Liza is abroad for higher studies. SP Nazmul Haque of the same batch, 28th batch officers Jahangir Alam and Ashrafuzzaman, 21st batch officer Kamruzzaman, and 25th BCS officer AFM Kibria are holding positions in various crucial units.

Ishtiaqur Rashid (28th batch), who remained at Police Headquarters for nearly 14 years, is posted in the LIC branch. Allegations exist that under his leadership, phone numbers of opposition political leaders, activists, and various individuals were tracked, and call records were collected.

Moreover, 31st BCS Additional Superintendent of Police Rahul Patwary is known as a close confidant of former DMP commissioner Habibur. His posting is with 12 APBn. Rahul is a former entertainment secretary of the central committee of Chhatra League, and his father is a former mayor of Faridgonj Municipality in Chandpur.

Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Saiful Islam of the same batch served in DB for a long duration. As a close associate of then DB chief Harun, he oversaw the Khilgaon and Motijheel zones. He is also stationed at 12 APBn.

Jonaed, a 30th BCS officer who was Harun’s unofficial APS, managed Harun’s “media wing”. His father-in-law is former AL organizing secretary Misbah Uddin Siraj.

Questions surrounding Mostak

DMP Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner Mostak Sarkar is also alleged to have been close to Harun. Harun had him posted as additional superintendent of police in Kishoreganj to safeguard his own interests. Post-5 August, through a 25th batch officer, he formed new close ties with several BNP-aligned officers.

Anis Uddin Bahadur Mithu (31st batch), a close associate of former joint commissioner Biplob, served in DB for a long time. His name was included as communications secretary in the draft central committee of Chhatra League. He is serving in RAB-1.

Mohidul Islam of the same batch is a former vice-president of Mohsin Hall Chhatra League at University of Dhaka. Having worked in DB for a long time, severe torture allegations against opposition leaders and activists stand against him. He is stationed at RAB-4.

Others Who Are Controversial

AFM Nizam Uddin, known as staff officer to former DMP commissioner Habibur, is posted in Matiranga, Khagrachari. Habibur-close Mizanur Rahman Shelly serves as the superintendent of police in Kishoreganj.

Additional DIG Hasanul Zahid, recognized as a close associate of former SB chief Monirul, is attached to Sarda. Various allegations have surfaced regarding the past political background of Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sarwar Murhed Shamim.

Controversies also surround the connections of 24th batch Additional DIG Aiyub Ali, who was known as one of the close associates of former IGP Benazir Ahmed.

Intelligence sources said fugitives are attempting to construct negative narratives surrounding the nation’s law and order situation, political violence, and militancy. By disseminating biased information, they plan to damage Bangladesh’s reputation internationally.

Prior to 5 August, 2024, militant organizations such as Neo-JMB and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) were brought into focus. Several agencies fear they are reactivating those ties to orchestrate terrifying events.

When asked for comment, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Abdul Qayum told Agamir Somoy, “If someone is involved in a crime like leaking information, necessary action including dismissal must be taken against them. Because during the Hasina government, many meritorious officers were unfairly dismissed from service on the pretext of being involved in BNP-Jamat politics during their student life.

“However, without proper proof, it is not right to harass or dismiss someone based solely on suspicion. To maintain the chain of command of the force, intelligence activities should be increased. Personal grudges should not be indulged under any circumstances. This will ruin the environment of the force and create frustration among members.”