Mother and Daughter Jailed Over Bribe Dispute

A mother and her daughter in Pekua, Cox’s Bazar, have been sentenced to one month in prison by a mobile court presided over by the Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Mahbub Alam, sparking widespread local outrage. The punishment, reportedly linked to the pair’s demand for the return of a bribe paid to a police officer, has raised serious questions over justice and the handling of corruption allegations in the area.

Victims and Allegations

The individuals sentenced are Rehena Mostofa Ranu, 38, widow of the late Nurul Abosar from the former Guldi area of Pekua Upazila, and her 23-year-old daughter, Zubaida Jannat, a college student.

According to the family, the controversy arose from a land-related legal case. They allege that Sub-Inspector Pallab of Pekua Police Station demanded BDT 20,000 in bribes in exchange for submitting a favourable investigation report. Despite paying the amount, the family claims that Pallab submitted the report to the opposing party instead.

When Ranu and her daughter attempted to reclaim the money on 4 March, they were reportedly assaulted and detained by the officer at the police station. Eyewitness Monjila Begum, a neighbour accompanying Zubaida, stated:

“I was there when Zubaida asked for the return of the money. SI Pallab became aggressive and attacked her. Later, the police detained both mother and daughter and instructed us to leave the premises.”

Mobile Court Verdict

Shortly after the incident, UNO Mahbub Alam arrived at the police station. Family members allege that despite presenting evidence of the bribe and harassment, the mobile court held the mother and daughter responsible for assaulting a police officer and obstructing official duties, issuing a one-month imprisonment sentence.

Zubaida’s younger brother, Rubel, said:

“The case concerns our ancestral property. Instead of investigating SI Pallab’s misconduct, the UNO blamed my mother and sister. We believe the police and UNO acted in collusion to punish the victims.”

Rehena Mostofa Ranu’s sister, Amena Munni, added:

“This is a deliberate framing. We demand their immediate release and a proper investigation into the officials involved.”

Official Statements

UNO Mahbub Alam defended the action, stating to reporters:

“The sentence was handed down for obstructing government work at the police station and involvement in a physical altercation with a police officer. Allegations of bribery are under investigation. Immediate action was necessary due to misconduct.”

Pekua Police Officer-in-Charge Khairul Alam corroborated the mobile court decision, saying:

“The mother and daughter assaulted police personnel at the station, which justified the UNO’s ruling. I am unaware of the bribe claims.”

Repeated attempts to contact SI Pallab for comment were unsuccessful.

Local Reaction and Political Context

The incident has provoked considerable unrest in Pekua, which is the home constituency of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. Locals have called for the immediate release of the mother and daughter and demanded a thorough investigation into the conduct of the officials involved.

Summary of Incident

The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by citizens seeking justice in cases involving alleged corruption, highlighting potential misuse of mobile courts and raising broader questions about accountability within local law enforcement and administrative systems.