Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RMP) has temporarily suspended 11 police personnel, including three Sub-Inspectors (SIs), three Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), and five constables, following allegations of custodial torture of a local political activist inside Kotwali Police Station.
The action was taken after a three-member investigation committee found preliminary evidence supporting claims that Rakibuzzaman Rakib, Member Secretary of Sadar Upazila Swechchhasebak Dal unit, was unlawfully detained and physically abused on the night of June 3, leaving him injured.
According to an order issued late Thursday night by Deputy Police Commissioner (Headquarters and Administration) Habibur Rahman, the suspended officers are SIs Masud Rana, Alam Badsha and Aktarul Islam, ASIs Monirul Islam, Ariful Islam and Meherunnesa, and Constables Mushfiqur Rahman, Mukhlesur Rahman, Rakib Ahmed, Lima Soren and Bhabna Rani.
The investigation committee, led by Additional Police Commissioner Naresh Chandra Chakma, reviewed documents, witness statements and CCTV footage from the police station. Its report concluded that several officers were involved in negligence, misconduct, unprofessional behavior and abuse of authority. The committee also found that the victims suffered physical and mental harassment and that the incident damaged the image of both RMP and Bangladesh Police after receiving widespread media attention.
Based on the findings, the officers were suspended under Police Regulations and the Government Service Act, 2018, pending further proceedings.
RMP Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mabud said the force maintains a “zero-tolerance” policy toward negligence, misconduct and unlawful actions, adding that appropriate legal and departmental measures will continue to be taken following proper investigations.