Suspended Barishal DFO held while attempting to flee

Kabir Hossain Patwari, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Barishal, was detained on Wednesday night while allegedly trying to flee with government property. The arrest took place in front of the Coastal Circle office of the Forest Department in the city's Nathullabad area.

According to local residents, Patwari was loading a truck with items from his government quarters in an apparent attempt to leave the area. Suspicious of his actions, locals intercepted the vehicle and handed him over to police. Authorities later seized the truck and its contents, which reportedly included government-owned materials.

Barishal Sadar Forester Abu Sufian Sakib said Patwari had borrowed money from multiple individuals, including himself. "He owes me nearly seven lakh taka. He also borrowed from locals and never repaid the debts," Sakib claimed, adding that some government property was also found in the truck.

Patwari denied any intention of fleeing but declined to speak to the media.

Airport Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Al Mamun confirmed that the forest officer is in custody. “We are investigating the matter. Legal action will be taken after verifying the allegations,” he said.

Patwari recently gained notoriety after allegations surfaced that he had married 17 women across different districts. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change suspended him after confirming the claims through a preliminary investigation.

He has previously faced multiple allegations, including fraud, dowry demands, and domestic abuse. Several legal cases have been filed against him over the years. While serving in districts such as Dhaka, Khulna, Sirajganj, and Bagerhat, Patwari was suspended twice before but returned to his post allegedly using political influence.

A fresh case is currently under investigation by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).