8 CMP officers, including SI, suspended over misappropriation of 100,000 yaba tablets
An inquiry report stated that the accused officers were collectively involved in the serious misconduct and offence, recommending the maximum departmental punishment against them.
The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) has temporarily suspended eight police officers, including a sub-inspector, over allegations of misappropriating 100,000 yaba tablets and concealing information following a seizure in the New Bridge area under Bakalia Police Station.
The disciplinary action was taken on charges of drug misappropriation, misleading senior authorities, and breaching departmental discipline. During the suspension period, all eight officers have been attached to the Dampara Police Lines, where they have been instructed to report regularly and attend roll call. The incident has sparked widespread concern both within and outside the CMP.
The suspension order was issued yesterday (5 January) and signed by Hosain Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan, deputy commissioner of CMP's South Zone. The order took effect immediately.
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Those suspended include Bakalia Police Station SI Mohammad Al-Amin Sarkar; ASIs Md Ziaur Rahman, Md Saddam Hossain and Enamul Haque; Constable Md Rashedul Hasan Bhuiyan; and female constable Umme Habiba Swapna. Also suspended are Kotwali Police Station SI Mohammad Amir Hossain and ASI Saiful Alam.
According to the investigation report, on the night of 8 December, police at the New Bridge checkpost searched an AC bus of Desh Travels travelling from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka. During the search, an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 yaba tablets were recovered from a trolley bag carried by Md Imtiaz Hossain, a constable of Cox's Bazar District Police.
Investigators found that Imtiaz, who was travelling without official leave, was transporting the large consignment to Dhaka in exchange for money. After being caught with the yaba, he allegedly sought a "safe exit" from the on-duty officers. The officers reportedly kept the drugs and released Imtiaz around 3:30am, returning his bag with only clothes inside.
Following the incident, the accused officers denied the recovery and provided misleading information to senior authorities. However, an internal investigation later confirmed the misappropriation based on Imtiaz's confession, statements from the bus supervisor, and testimonies of other police personnel involved.
An inquiry report submitted by CMP Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Wahidul Haque Chowdhury stated that the accused officers were collectively involved in the serious misconduct and offence, recommending the maximum departmental punishment against them.
