Senbag OC withdrawn after feast at Awami League leader’s home

The officer-in-charge (OC) of Senbag Police Station in Noakhali, Md Abdur Rahim Sarkar, has been withdrawn and attached to the district police lines following allegations that he attended a feast at the home of an Awami League leader.

The withdrawal was confirmed Sunday (September 20) by Noakhali Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Ahmed Peyar.

Questions were also raised over his alleged inaction during a procession by leaders and activists of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned.

Inspector (Investigation) Hazrat Ali Milon has been given additional charge of the police station.

According to district police, Awami League and affiliated organisation activists held a procession at Bot Tola Bazar in Kabilpur Union on Friday night. Allegations subsequently surfaced that the OC failed to take immediate action to prevent the procession or disperse the participants.

Separately, Rahim was accused of attending a feast at the home of Shahjahan Khokon, an Awami League leader and businessman from Chattogram, in Batania village.

Ahmed Peyar said the OC was withdrawn over his participation in the invitation at the political leader’s home. A probe committee has been formed and asked to submit a report, but its findings have not yet been received.

Hazrat Ali Milon said Rahim was withdrawn on Saturday evening but that he was not aware of the specific reason for the decision.

Meanwhile, police filed an anti-terrorism case on Saturday over the Bot Tola procession. Five Chhatra League and Jubo League activists have been arrested, while 30 to 35 unidentified people were also named in the case.