District Correspondent, Sylhet: After the change of government from the Awami League, the administration found itself in a state of chaos. Furious students and the public set police establishments on fire, vandalized them, and looted weapons and valuable documents from various places in Sylhet and across the country. Many police officers went into hiding to save their lives. Some became defendants in criminal cases and are still on the run, while others are imprisoned or have fled the country. Many members of the police stated that the fragile condition of the administration during this time surpassed anything seen in the past 53 years of Bangladesh’s history.
In this critical period, Rezaul Karim took charge as the Commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) and began restructuring the police force.
The Bandar Bazar Police Outpost under Sylhet SMP is one of the oldest police outposts in Sylhet, located in the heart of the city. However, since the previous government’s tenure, the outpost has been the epicenter of one controversy after another. Following the death of a young man named Raihan at the hands of an officer in this outpost, it gained notoriety. On August 5, infuriated students and the public set fire to this outpost. Currently, its activities are managed from the police station itself. However, the controversial activities associated with this outpost have not ceased.
Talking to several leaders and activists of the local BNP and Jubo Dal revealed that during the 15-year rule of the Awami League government, an officer-in-charge (OIC) or sub-inspector (SI) who suppressed and oppressed BNP activists is now in charge of the Bandar Bazar Police Outpost under the Kotwali Police Station. How did this happen? Was he appointed as OIC as a reward? Investigations revealed that his name is Ibaydullah, hailing from Bhairab district. He has been serving in Sylhet SMP for about 15 years and even purchased a residence in Sylhet. Over the years, he has worked in all six police stations under SMP.
He used to proudly identify himself as an Awami League loyalist, often mentioning his close ties with Advocate Misbah Uddin Siraj, former Organizational Secretary of the Central Awami League. This connection allegedly enabled him to secure favorable postings within SMP’s police stations during the previous government. He wielded authority surpassing that of a station OIC, with more emphasis on unlawful authority than legal measures. While stationed at Shah Paran Police Station, he was reportedly involved in collecting money from smugglers at Haripur in the name of the police.
This same Ibaydullah was reportedly furious at the mere mention of BNP or Jamaat, as evidenced during the quota reform movement on July 17 last year. During a scheduled prayer event organized by the Sylhet District and Metropolitan BNP, he reportedly prevented BNP leaders and activists from entering the venue, closing gates and barring their way. As a result, the event was relocated.
Despite being stationed at Shah Paran Police Station, Ibaydullah reportedly extended his influence to Kotwali and performed additional duties during the same period. Photographs of these incidents are in the possession of this correspondent. When a journalist, Abu Turab, was shot by the police, eyewitnesses claimed Ibaydullah was present in Bandar Bazar despite being assigned to Shah Paran Police Station.
Investigations revealed that Ibaydullah’s extended tenure at SMP allowed him to be familiar with BNP activists, aiding in their arrests. Even after the change of government on August 5 last year, Ibaydullah was appointed as the in-charge of the Bandar Bazar Police Outpost under Kotwali Police Station. He remains in the post.
In recent months, the Bandar Bazar area has seen daily occurrences of theft and snatching. Women’s purses, mobile phones, and gold chains are frequently snatched. While some culprits have been arrested, many locals claim Ibaydullah himself is allegedly involved with the perpetrators.
Local businesses allege that areas such as Puraton Jail Quarter, Kastghar Lane, Mahajan Patty, and Old Bridge under Bandar Bazar Outpost have become havens for criminals. Pedestrians fear these areas, as snatchers often carry sharp weapons. Complaints to the police are met with indifference, with victims advised to seek medical help or file court cases.
Despite efforts from various stakeholders to clear Sylhet’s sidewalks of hawkers, the problem persists due to alleged extortion by Ibaydullah. Local hawkers confirmed under anonymity that Ibaydullah collects money from them regularly using intermediaries.
The allegations against him include working with Awami League loyalists, conducting illegal operations, and profiting from extortion. Local residents and businesses continue to suffer due to his unchecked activities.
If their names are disclosed, they will no longer be able to sit on the pavement the next day. On the 27th of Ramadan, a man named Delwar Hossain became a target for muggers while returning home after purchasing Zakat clothes from Haji Sona Mia’s shop in Mahajanpatty. Delwar Hossain provided a detailed account of the incident to this correspondent, which was published in the previous issue. Despite contacting the in-charge of the outpost multiple times, he alleges that the matter is being suppressed. On Wednesday, April 9, he informed this correspondent that the in-charge had arrested an innocent tea stall owner, threatened him with being framed for possessing marijuana, extorted 5,000 BDT, and later filed a case under the Metropolitan Act. Statements from the victim and his family have been preserved.
During the previous government’s tenure, while stationed at Shah Paran Police Station, Ibaydullah purchased a tin-roofed house on 4.5 decimals of land in Royal City, Shah Paran Residential Area. It is alleged that the money for this purchase came from Nadel, a resident of Baluchar and a member of the Awami League from Ward 20, who was involved in drug dealing. Nadel is now a fugitive in a legal case. According to a local journalist and several residents, while stationed at Shah Paran, Ibaydullah was directly involved in the smuggling of Indian sugar.
Sources reveal that Ibaydullah has married twice during his service in Sylhet. His first marriage was in his hometown, while his second marriage was to the sister of Picchi Shakil, who is serving a prison sentence for the murder of Tajul Islam, husband of former female councilor Shahana Begum Shanu of Lamabazar. However, it is reported that this second marriage is on the verge of collapse.
