Dhaka:Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has revealed that former Cantonment Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Rakibul Hasan was found to have connections with the Awami League, which is currently facing a ban on its activities.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the home minister made these remarks during a discussion with journalists at the Secretariat regarding recent transfers of OCs in Dhaka and the removal of the Shah Ali Police Station OC. He explained that transfers are an administrative measure that may occur due to negligence or involvement in certain activities, but emphasized that they are not the final step, as departmental proceedings follow these transfers.
An investigation into Rakibul Hasan was prompted by an audio recording that went viral on social media. This recording, which was subject to forensic examination and scrutiny by one or two agencies, featured Hasan discussing police force issues, officer postings, and internal matters. In it, he alleged that senior police officials were engaging in BNP politics, while financial transactions influenced OC appointments.
Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that a case, including charges of sedition, has been filed against Rakibul Hasan, who has also been arrested. The recording suggested dissatisfaction with postings and leadership within the police force and claimed that unqualified officers were being appointed to key positions.
Following the investigation into the audio, Rakibul Hasan was removed from his position. He was eventually charged with sedition, arrested on September 24, and presented before a court, which granted a five-day remand. The Detective Branch has since taken over the investigation.