‘Paid bribes to wear the police uniform, only to take bribes’

An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of Chunarughat Police Station in Habiganj allegedly said that he joined the police force by paying bribes and intended to take bribes.

ASI Mohammad Elias Hossain reportedly made the remarks in a video clip that went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.

In the video, Elias Hossain can be heard saying, “I paid bribes to get the uniform, and I did so to take bribes.”

Local people said Elias recently went to Ranigaon Bazar in Chunarughat upazila to investigate a case filed by a trader, Noman Mia, and allegedly made the remarks there.

They accused the ASI of demanding bribes during investigations into various cases, and alleged that he showed little interest in investigating cases unless he received money.

The police official has also faced allegations of irregularities in investigating a case filed over alleged child abuse and attempted rape in Tekarghat village of Gazipur union.

According to the allegations, he took financial benefits from the defendants and pressured and threatened the complainant to withdraw the case. The allegations could not be independently verified.

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Locals also alleged that Elias used the influence of Chunarughat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saiful Islam, whom he described as his “big brother”, while dealing with police station affairs and investigations. 

When contacted about the viral video, Elias said, “I know nothing about this,” before disconnecting the call. 

OC Saiful Islam said, “I have seen the video. We are looking into it. I will sit with him (Elias Hossain) to find out the context in which he made the remarks.”