Serious allegations have been made against Abu Bakkar, the ward watchman of ward no. 4 of Dochhari union in Naikhongchari upazila of Bandarban hill district, of smuggling Burmese cattle and drugs, extortion by impersonating the police and looting yaba. The allegations have created a sensation in the area as one after another has come to light. According to local sources, Abu Bakkar, son of the deceased Abdul Ali of Tulatali area of Dochhari union, has been allegedly involved in border smuggling, yaba trade and extortion for a long time under the guise of a village policeman.
Recently, a video footage of extortion from smugglers by impersonating the police has reached the hands of journalists, which has started a new discussion in the public mind. The most talked about incident took place on February 20. It is alleged that Abu Bakkar openly recovered 10 thousand pieces of Yaba from Riaz Uddin of Silghata area of the same union and took him to his house in a clever way. Later, it was alleged that more than 8 thousand Yaba was embezzled from that consignment.
When the situation became complicated, he handed over Riaz Uddin along with 1 thousand 950 pieces of Yaba to the Naikhongchari police station. The incident quickly became the ‘talk of the town’ and was widely reported in various national and local media.
However, even after 11 days of the incident, questions have been raised in the conscious community as no visible disciplinary action has been taken against him. When asked about this, Naikhongchari Upazila Executive Officer Muhammad Mazharul Islam Chowdhury said, “The matter is under the jurisdiction of the police station. The UNO has nothing to do here.”
On the other hand, Naikhongchari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Baten Mridha said, “The UNO will take necessary action.” In this regard, Bandarban Hill District Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini said, “He has been informed about the complaint and instructions will be given to the UNO to take necessary legal action.” Mahbubul Karim, Deputy Director of the Local Government Department, gave a similar reaction. It is known that more sensational information is coming to light against those involved in the continuation of the investigative report. The next phase will include a detailed investigation into other allegations, including extortion in the name of the police.