ASI suspended for performing Islamic songs at Jamaat candidate’s election rally

An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of police in Satkhira has been suspended for allegedly performing Islamic songs while in police uniform at an election street rally of the Jamaat-e-Islami's candidate for Satkhira-2.

In a press release issued last evening (14 December), the Satkhira district police said that on 7 December, ASI Qari Mahibullah performed Islamic songs in his police uniform at a rally for Jamaat candidate Muhaddis Abdul Khaleq, in the Katia area of the town.

The ASI, posted in Jashore, had been on 15 days of leave from 26 November and rejoined duty on 12 December. 

During his leave, instead of staying in his home district of Narail, he went to Satkhira and took part in a political programme while wearing his police uniform, which the Satkhira district police said undermined professionalism and damaged the image of the force.

The matter has been reported in writing to the deputy inspector general (DIG) of police for Khulna Range and the Jashore superintendent of police (SP), the press release said.

It added that when contacted by phone, the accused police officer admitted that he attended the street rally, performed Islamic songs and delivered a speech. 

Based on this admission, he has been suspended, and departmental proceedings are underway against him, it said.

Satkhira SP Arefin Jewel said the Jashore SP issued the suspension order, adding that action was taken as the ASI came to Satkhira during his leave and participated in an election street rally by performing Islamic songs.

Before being transferred to Jashore, ASI Qari Mahibullah had served at the Satkhira Police Lines for a long time.