A farewell program for outgoing Kishoreganj Police Station OC Ashraful Islam has sparked criticism after it was found that the event was arranged by Benazir Khan Raj, an accused in a visa fraud case. Raj, who was arrested on November 11 in a Tk 16.9 lakh visa fraud case filed by Zahidul Islam from Kurigram’s Nageshwari and later got bail, handed the OC a crest and gifts at the station. Photos on social media showed Raj, two other accused from the same case, and a known drug offender giving the crest to the OC.
The incident went viral and drew mixed reactions online. Raj later wrote on Facebook that he loves OC Ashraful so much that “it wouldn’t hurt if he gave his heart for him,” and also posted warnings to critics. Locals claimed OC Ashraful had earlier faced accusations of irregularities, including ties to the visa fraud group. OC (Investigation) Abdul Quddus confirmed that Raj and others came to the station to give the crest. Ashraful’s own comment on the matter was not received.
