In the wake of the widely discussed Sada Pathor looting scandal in Sylhet, 35 police personnel, including 13 sub-inspectors (SIs), have been transferred.
The transfer order was issued on Monday through an official directive signed by Sylhet Superintendent of Police (SP) Mahbubur Rahman. The matter was confirmed by Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration & Finance) Raselur Rahman.
The transferred personnel also include seven Assistant Sub-inspectors (ASIs), two constables, and 13 drivers.
These officers were serving at six police stations, one investigation centre, and the district motor vehicle branch. Among them are 11 SIs and ASIs from the controversial Companiganj and Gowainghat police stations.
Earlier, on 18 August, the Ministry of Public Administration appointed Sarwar Alam as the new Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Sylhet.
On the same day, Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Azizunnahar was appointed as the Sylhet Divisional Commissioner.
According to sources in the district police, the latest transfers include: 7 from Companiganj Police Station; 7 from Gowainghat Police Station; 2 from Balaganj Police Station; 2 from Fenchuganj Police Station; 2 from Beanibazar Police Station; 1 from Golapganj Police Station; 2 from Kushiyara Police Investigation Centre in Golapganj and 12 drivers from the district's motor vehicle branch.
ASP Raselur Rahman stated, "This is part of a routine transfer process. It includes not just Gowainghat or Companiganj, but several other stations as well."
However, several senior district police officials, speaking to Stream on condition of anonymity, indicated that the transfers were primarily a response to the Sada Pathor looting incidents.
They noted that suspicious behaviour by local police contributed to the looting, and in many cases, officers were complicit. More transfers from Companiganj and Gowainghat police stations are expected in the coming days.
Widespread stone looting had occurred at Sylhet's tourist spots this month, media coverage of which sparked nationwide criticism.
Several agencies launched investigations, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, the district administration, the Cabinet Division, and the Criminal Investigation Department.
On 13 August, the ACC conducted a raid. The commission's report revealed direct and indirect involvement of 42 political and influential figures from BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and Awami League in the looting.
It also stated that local administration, police, and BGB officials allegedly received a share of the looted money. The report specifically mentioned that police personnel from Companiganj and Gowainghat were part of the illegal stone extraction syndicate.
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