Decision on SP Harun after IGP returns home: Police Headquarters

Controversial Superintendent of Police (SP) Harun Or Rashid has been transferred to the Police Headquarters over allegations, including misuse of power and involvement in extortion, land grabbing and kidnapping.

"No probe committee has been formed in this regard yet," said Md Sohel Rana, an assistant inspector general (AIG) at the police headquarters.

Police headquarters sources said it is still undecided if any investigation will be carried out against him.

Further steps would be taken after Inspector General of Police Dr Javed Patwari, who is in Singapore now on an official tour, returns home on November 7, they said.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the home ministry told The Business Standard that an investigation will be carried out if any complaint is received.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told The Business Standard, "The Police Headquarters is looking into the matter, and they will form a probe committee if they want."

On May 3, 2016, SP Harun Or Rashid called Amber Denim store manager Iahia Babu and demanded Tk5 crore in extortion. He threatened to arrest and harass Amber Group officials and destroy the industries if his demand was not met.

After the incident, Amber Group Chairman Showkat Aziz Rasel sent a written complaint to the president, prime minister, home ministry, different government offices and the chairman of different business organisations. The Business Standard has received a copy of the complaint letter.

In the letter, Showkat Aziz wrote, "Harun Or Rashid, who was the former superintendent of Gazipur police and withdrawn following an election commission directive, demanded Tk5 crore from me. At first, Sub Inspector Azharul Islam called Amber Denim Manager Babu and said SP Harun sir told him to call on Amber Group officials. SP sir needs money. He told to send Tk5 crore soon."

"Earlier, SP Harun called on me at Lamda Hall of Gulshan Club and Gulshan Kabab Factory Restaurant and demanded Tk5 crore. He also told me to send the money in dollar to his address in the United States. He also threatened to destroy my company. I refused to pay the money, and within 24 hours, SP Harun ordered his subordinate colleagues to arrest 45 labours and officers of the group late at night showing false cases against them," he wrote.

Harun Or Rashid did not want to make any comment regarding the allegations.