A man impersonating a police officer has been arrested in a dramatic late-night operation in Cox’s Bazar after he was allegedly found extorting money from vehicle drivers while dressed in a full police uniform and carrying handcuffs.
According to police, the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Md. Atiq Ullah Al Mamun, was detained around midnight on Saturday near the Bir Shreshtha Ruhul Amin Stadium area, one of the busiest transport corridors in the coastal city. The location is surrounded by several major healthcare facilities, making it a high-traffic zone throughout the night due to the continuous movement of ambulances, patient transport vehicles, and private cars.
Witnesses and law enforcement sources said the accused had been stopping vehicles, particularly those carrying patients to and from nearby hospitals, under the guise of official duty. He allegedly searched vehicles, intimidated drivers, and collected money from them by presenting himself as a law enforcement officer.
Police became suspicious during a routine patrol and intercepted him on the spot. Upon questioning, he failed to produce any official identification, and subsequent search confirmed that he was not a serving police officer. Officers recovered a complete police-style uniform, a pair of handcuffs, and two name badges, which bore the names “Saeiful Islam Mizan” and “Md. Mizan,” suggesting possible attempts to reinforce his fake identity.
Recovered Items
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Uniform | Full police-style dress |
| Equipment | One pair of handcuffs |
| Identification | Two fake name badges (“Saeiful Islam Mizan”, “Md. Mizan”) |
Hospitals Near the Incident Site
| Hospital Name | Type | Location Context |
|---|---|---|
| Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital (250-bed) | Government hospital | Near stadium area |
| Union Hospital | Private facility | Adjacent medical zone |
| General Hospital | Private facility | Nearby healthcare cluster |
| Al Fouad Khatib Hospital | Private hospital | Within close proximity |
Police officials stated that the suspect is a resident of the Rajapalong Union area in Ukhia Upazila and had reportedly been involved in similar deceptive activities for a prolonged period. Locals alleged that he often presented himself as a member of law enforcement, using the guise to exert influence and collect money from unsuspecting members of the public.
Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Mohammad Ali of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station confirmed that the accused had been arrested on charges of fraud and extortion. He further stated that a formal case had been filed and the accused has since been sent to court and subsequently remanded to jail.
Investigators are now working to determine how the suspect obtained police-style uniforms and accessories, and whether he was part of a wider network involved in impersonation or organised extortion activities.
Residents in the area described the accused’s behaviour as highly convincing, noting that his appearance in uniform often led people to believe he was an authentic officer, allowing him to operate without immediate suspicion.
