Alleged Bribe to Release Agent

An allegation has emerged in Cox’s Bazar’s Pekua upazila that a police officer accepted a reduced payment to release an individual reportedly involved in online gambling activities, despite the government’s declared zero-tolerance stance on drugs and digital betting networks.

According to local accounts, the incident took place on Monday evening (27 April) in front of the Gudikhata Community Clinic in Taitong Union. A man identified as Md Kaichar was detained from a shop by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Md Morshed Alam of Pekua Police Station. Police sources and eyewitness accounts suggest that during the detention, the officer allegedly examined Kaichar’s mobile phone and found evidence of online gambling applications along with associated financial transaction records.

It is further alleged that the ASI initially demanded Tk 20,000 in exchange for releasing Kaichar. After negotiations, Tk 16,000 was reportedly transferred via mobile financial services from the detainee’s phone to an agent account at Pekua Chowmuhuni, following which he was released.

Kaichar, however, provided a different account of the incident. He claimed that the officer had been attempting to arrest another wanted suspect nearby, who managed to flee upon noticing police presence. During the operation, Kaichar alleged that his mobile phone was taken from a table and checked, leading to the discovery of gambling-related applications. He further stated that the officer demanded money and ultimately accepted Tk 16,000 before releasing him.

ASI Md Morshed Alam initially denied the allegations when contacted. He stated that he was not well-versed in mobile technology and would verify the matter with his team. However, he later reportedly acknowledged the incident during a follow-up communication via WhatsApp call, according to sources familiar with the exchange.

Attempts to contact the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Pekua Police Station, Khairul Alam, for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated phone calls.

Reported sequence of events

The incident has raised concerns over enforcement integrity at a time when authorities have reiterated strict action against online gambling and related financial networks across the country. Further investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegation.