‘Bought this uniform with bribe money, to take bribes’

There are multiple allegations against him for refusing to work unless a bribe is paid during case investigations, as well as for intimidating and threatening victims.

The person in question is Assistant Sub-Inspector of Chunarughat Police Station in Habiganj Ilias Hossain.

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Netizens have shown outrage over his alleged misconduct, open demands for bribes, and irregularities after a recent a video of Ilias went viral on social media. In the video, he openly justified accepting bribes while investigating a case.

The incident took place at Ranigaon Bazar in Ranigaon union in Chunarughat. ASI Ilias was visiting the place to investigate a case filed by a local businessman, Noman Mia.

Speaking openly in front of a crowd, he said, "There is usually some truth behind rumours. If I claim to be a police officer but don't take bribes... am I supposed to be the imam of Baitul Mukarram? I bought this uniform with bribe money -- specifically to take bribes."

An onlooker recorded a video of his speech. After the video circulated on social media, questions were raised regarding the administration's image in Chunarughat and the district.

Allegations have been brought that the ASI does not even "touch a file or complaint" at the Chunarughat Police Station "without a bribe".

Previously, while investigating a case involving the abuse and attempted rape of a child in Tekarghat village in Gazipur union of the upazila, he accepted a large sum of money from the accused and subsequently threatened the plaintiff. There are allegations that he pressured the plaintiff to withdraw the case and issued death threats.

When contacted regarding the viral video, Ilias refused to comment on the matter. He disconnected the call when further inquiries were made.

According to locals, Ilias has been asserting his dominance at the police station and in investigations by claiming that Saiful Islam, the officer-in-charge of Chunarughat Police Station, is his "big brother".

Allegations suggest he routinely engages in illicit activities, irregularities, and extortion by exploiting the OC's name.

The OC said, "I have also learned about this matter through various channels. Efforts are underway to verify the authenticity of the allegations [against Ilias]."