Staff Correspondent

Close aides of former Dhaka Metropolitan Intelligence Police Additional Commissioner Harun Or Rashid, a key figure from the previous regime, remain active and relaxed in various Dhaka police units, employing a range of survival strategies. They continue to stay in close contact with Harun, a connection that has already caught the attention of multiple intelligence agencies.

Insiders say that while Harun remains in hiding, his influence within the police force persists. Curiously, none of his close associates have yet faced legal consequences. Rafiqul Islam, formerly Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) (Administration) of Detective Branch (DB) Motijheel and known as Harun’s “cashier,” now serves in APBN Dhaka. Though initially transferred to Rangamati Units Armed Police Battalion (APBN), Harun’s influence, along with support from a prominent political figure, facilitated Rafiqul’s swift return to Dhaka. Rafiqul’s involvement in various misconducts at Harun’s direction was widely known.

He was at the top of Harun’s favorites list, known for his skill in land grabbing and money recovery. Despite the court’s sole jurisdiction over such matters, he and his associates would seize various properties in the Banashree- Rampura area and extort money through illegal detentions.

Just before the fall of the Hasina dictatorship, he brutally assaulted BNP’s Publicity and Publication Secretary, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku. Alongside DC Razib Al Masud, Rafiq went to the home of former Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President (VP) Nurul Haq Nur and verbally harassed him. During the student protests leading up to August 5, students from various schools and colleges were detained and beaten in his office. Despite media reports of him extorting money from multiple businesspeople, he retained his position in DB, protected by the unseen influence of Harun.

In addition, through the influence of DB Harun and former Bhola MP Nurunnabi Chowdhury Shaon, he secured a teaching position for his wife in the Social Work Department at Siddheshwari College, despite her lacking the necessary qualifications.

Another close associate of Harun is Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Junaid Alam Sarkar, formerly a member of the cybercrime department at DB. Junaid, who is widely known as Harun’s personal assistant in Bangladesh and beyond, is the son-in-law of Awami League’s former organizing secretary, Mejbah Uddin Siraj. He managed Harun’s media cell and is also a founding member of the ‘Harun Bhatghar’ (or kitchen) network. Junaid faces accusations of firing on students and is currently assigned to the Dhaka APBN.

Another key ADC in DB was Mohammad Saiful Islam (Saif), who served as the Head of the Khilgaon Zonal Team. He is currently employed with the APBN in Dhaka. Saif has been implicated in aiding Harun’s international money laundering operations for years, using his brother’s money exchange business in Paltan. Initially, the funds were sent to Dubai, before being redirected to specific destinations. Saif also faces charges in a case related to genocide.

Another key figure in the DB and a close associate of Harun was Khandakar Rabiul Arafat, also known as Lenin. He has been accused of torturing BNP leader Majnu, as well as abducting and torturing the pregnant wife of Jubo Dal leader Rabiul Islam Nayan. Additionally, Lenin and his Demra team member, Constable Jahangir, face allegations of involvement in drug dealing.

A police source stated that the proceeds from this drug operation were consistently funneled to Harun. Through Harun’s covert influence, Lenin is currently stationed at RAB-4, despite facing multiple charges of genocide.

The investigation revealed that DB Harun would file anonymous complaints against members of the public or police officers who spoke about him. Lenin would connect DB Harun with attractive actresses, a business that initially brought him closer to Harun. Over time, their relationship expanded into other areas. Recently, Lenin’s name was mentioned in a speech by Maulana Rafiqul Islam Madani, who spoke about the remand at the DB office. Despite not being a member of the investigation committee, Lenin physically confronted Madani during the speech.

Another key figure in the DB was ADC Asma Ara Jahan, an officer from the 30th batch. She hails from Harun’s home district and was once referred to as the DB-Mother, a prominent member of the Harun Syndicate.

One of Asma’s associates is Badruzzaman Zillu, a member of the 31st batch. He developed a close relationship with Asma while serving as an ASP in the Kishoreganj circle. A year and a half ago, Harun and Asma clashed over the distribution of Tk 34 crore stolen from Awami League leader Shahzada Mohiuddin.

At one point, the issue was escalated to senior police officials, prompting the transfer of Asma to the Protection Department at the DMP headquarters, where she continues to work. Sources later confirmed that by the end of Hasina’s government, their relationship had returned to normal.

DB Cyber Division Officer Monirul Islam, a member of the 30th batch, was one of Harun’s trusted officers. He frequently assisted S Alam, a notorious money-laundering figure, under Harun’s orders. Monirul is still active in the DB Cyber Crime Wing. Several senior police officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, have revealed that Harun used his influence to protect his associates. However, they believe Harun’s fortune will ultimately be exposed when the law catches up with them.