CMP forms probe committee to investigate allegations of corruption, extortion and abuse of power; officer denies wrongdoing

Online Desk:

The officer-in-charge (OC) of Sadarghat Police Station under Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) was withdrawn from his post just 17 days after joining the station, following a letter from State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam alleging multiple irregularities.

Muhammad Sharif has been attached to CMP Dampara Police Lines after his withdrawal. CMP Acting Commissioner Wahidul Haque Chowdhury issued the order yesterday evening.

Police sources said the withdrawal came after the Ministry of Home Affairs received a demi-official letter from the state minister raising allegations against the officer. Acting CMP Commissioner Wahidul Haque Chowdhury confirmed to this correspondent that the decision was taken following the letter.

A letter signed by Nasrin Sultana, deputy secretary of the Police-2 Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and addressed to the inspector general of police, referred to the state minister’s letter.

The letter said that media reports and other relevant information had raised serious allegations against Muhammad Sharif, former OC of Karnaphuli Police Station and currently serving at Sadarghat Police Station. The allegations include corruption, extortion, illegal financial transactions, acquisition of wealth beyond known sources of income, abuse of administrative power, and using his official position to advance personal and group interests.

The deputy secretary directed the police to investigate the allegations, take legal action and inform the follow-up action to the ministry. CMP sources said the officer was withdrawn immediately after the letter was received. However, officials declined to comment on the specific allegations.

Sadarghat Police Station falls under the Chattogram-11 (Bandar) parliamentary constituency, represented by BNP Standing Committee Member and Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.

Acting CMP Commissioner Wahidul Haque Chowdhury told that a probe committee headed by a deputy commissioner (DC) of police was also formed to investigate the allegations.

“The committee has been asked to submit its report within seven working days,” he said, declining to elaborate further.

Sharif, however, denied the allegations.

“I have not been involved in any irregularities. While serving at Karnaphuli Police Station, I attended the wedding ceremony of an Awami League leader’s daughter. That photograph has since been used in various ways to harass me. I have not committed any wrongdoing,” he said. Courtesy: The Daily Star.