Deputy Police Commissioner of Barishal Metropolitan Police and former Superintendent of Police (SP) of Narsingdi, Md. Abdul Hannan, has been given merely a “reprimand” after charges of bribery and abuse of power against him were proven. The decision was announced in a recent notification issued by the Discipline-1 branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
According to the investigation report, in 2023 Hannan allegedly paid Tk 5 million in bribes to a man named Robiul Munshi in hopes of being appointed the SP of Narsingdi. However, due to political changes in 2024, that appointment never materialized. After eventually joining as SP in Narsingdi, Hannan and a subordinate officer traveled to Dhaka without authorization and collected Tk 500,000 from Munshi’s office; they also took a handwritten agreement ensuring repayment of the remaining amount.
The investigation further revealed that in a phone conversation with a journalist, Hannan admitted to involvement in transfer-related dealings and using subordinates for personal tasks. When the audio was published in the media, it damaged the reputation of the police force.
After being asked for an explanation, Hannan submitted a written response and requested a personal hearing. Following the hearing on November 19, the charges were found to be substantiated, and he was given a “reprimand” — a punishment that has raised renewed concerns about accountability within the police force.