Thakurgaon Correspondent:
New questions have been raised about the role of the police in Thakurgaon. Saiful Islam Sarkar, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Bhulli Police Station, is claiming that he has handed over a detained suspect to Sadar Police Station.
However, Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahidur Rahman says that they have not accepted any such accused. This incident has created a huge stir among the public regarding the transparency and responsibility of the police.
Last Thursday (February 20) at around 1 pm, the police of Bhulli Police Station arrested Mohammad Ali, the organizing secretary of Auliapur Union Awami League in Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila. Bhulli Police Station OC Saiful Islam Sarkar said around 11:30 pm on Friday that the detainee was handed over to Sadar Police Station at 2 pm that day.
But at 11:40 pm today (February 21), Sadar Police Station OC Shahidur Rahman clearly stated, "Bhulli Police Station has not handed over any accused to us, nor have we arrested anyone." As soon as the OC of Bhulli Police Station spoke, he pointed to a person named Jainik Arif to speak. When Arif was asked such a question, he behaved aggressively and disconnected the mobile phone line.
This contradictory statement has raised a question in the public mind - where did the accused go? When contacted at night, Thakurgaon District Police Superintendent Sheikh Jahidul Islam said, "I am aware of the matter. I have spoken to the OC and seen the matter, but even after a long time, he has not commented." The mysterious silence of Police Superintendent Sheikh Jahidul Islam.
Secret sources claim that Mohammad Ali was actually taken to Sadar Police Station, but he was secretly released in exchange for a large sum of money. Similar allegations had been made at Sadar Police Station before.
A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "I have been hearing for a long time that the accused will be released if they pay money. An ASI was transferred in a similar incident before."
Questions about the culture of impunity and police impartiality
On the other hand, no action is being taken against those directly involved in the anti-discrimination movement. The students who were tortured are not getting justice, while the accused are roaming freely.
Such a role of the police is destroying people's trust in the rule of law. Many people ask, is the rule of law only for the weak? Does the police become helpless when they become influential?
Senior police officials should investigate this matter quickly and take action against the culprits, said the concerned people. Otherwise, public trust in the police will weaken further.
Md. Nazmul Hossain
