Desk Report (Based on a report by Mymensingh District Correspondent Lutfar Rahman Rajib):
Even though fascism has fallen, its roots and its lingering specters remain intact. A specific syndicate is systematically spreading false propaganda to destabilize the Bangladesh Police—the force most crucial to maintaining the country’s internal order.
Every day on social media, police personnel—ranging from officers of the rank of Officer-in-Charge (OC) to hundreds of Sub-Inspectors (SIs)—are falling victim to aggressive attacks by unscrupulous media outlets. Since its inception, no government has ever allowed the police force to stand tall with dignity; successive governments have merely used the police as a private militia to safeguard their own hold on power.
Yet, this force—engaged in ceaseless duty—is frequently made to serve as a scapegoat or a sacrificial lamb. Habibur Rahman, the honest and courageous Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gouripur, has become the target of such ruthless smear campaigns. His “crime”? He detained two individuals—disgraces to the profession of journalism—who were found in possession of 19 pieces of Yaba tablets.
Against this backdrop, and while bearing the humiliating burden of relentless false propaganda, he continues to perform his vital duties with unwavering commitment to his oath of maintaining peace. But how long can fighters like Habibur—men forged in the mold of integrity—hold their ground? Almost everywhere, under the weight of false accusations, some find themselves shackled by transfers or withdrawals, while others silently shed tears of despair.
Just two days ago, I witnessed Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdur Rahim fall victim to a transfer order while attempting to apprehend a notorious criminal from Khulshi—an individual named “Boga,” an accused in 32 cases who had shed his “Mujib-loyalist” identity to don the guise of “New Nationalism.” Tomorrow, we might well see headlines screaming about the “contrived drama” behind the transfer of the Gouripur OC.
The government must take a firm stance. Journalists are free to write, but their words should be clothed in truth and adorned with evidence—ensuring that no other Abdur Rahim or Habibur Rahman of Gouripur ever falls victim to such false accusations again.