8 police officers suspended over releasing colleague who ‘carried yaba’

Authorities have suspended eight police personnel from Chattogram’s Bakalia after preliminary evidence found them releasing a fellow officer who was detained with yaba.

The order was issued on Monday by Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Hasib Aziz, said CMP Assistant Commissioner (Media) Aminur Rashid.

Those suspended officers are Sub-Inspectors Al-Amin Sarker and Amir Hossain, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Saiful Alam, Ziaur Rahman, Saddam Hossain and Enamul Haque, and Constables Rashedul Hasan Bhuiyan and Umme Habiba Swapna.

Aminur told bdnews24.com that an internal inquiry was conducted on the commissioner’s instructions following the incident. As preliminary evidence was found, disciplinary action has been taken against the eight officers.

He added that departmental cases are being filed against them and the suspended officers will remain attached to the police lines until the investigations are completed.

The incident occurred on the night of Dec 8 at a checkpoint in the Karnaphuli Third Bridge, where yaba was recovered from the police officer during a search.

The officer was serving as a gunman to a judge based in Cox’s Bazar.