The officer-in-charge (OC) of Cantonment Police Station, Md Rakibul Hasan, was withdrawn on Thursday after an audio recording allegedly featuring him circulated widely, including remarks about the possible return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the capability of the police.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed signed an order attaching Rakibul to the headquarters and administration division for “administrative reasons.”
The order took effect on Thursday.
In the recording, a voice identified as Rakibul can be heard saying that “nothing will happen” if Sheikh Hasina returns to the country in December and suggesting that she could return earlier because “the police on the streets are so weak.”
The recording also contains a statement that “the police will not be able to do anything.”
The audio has been circulating on social media and in news outlets for the past two days.
The authenticity of the recording has not been independently verified.
DMP officials have said the contents of the audio will be examined and that appropriate action will be taken if necessary.