BANGLADESH

The country's two intelligence agencies, National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Detective Branch (DB) of police, are at loggerheads over the suspension of three DB inspector over allegations of bribery.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police's DB inspectors Shafiuddin Sheikh, Ruhul Amin and Gias Uddin were temporarily suspended on Thursday following their arrest by NSI officials in front of the Holy Family Hospital at Maghbazar.

NSI officials claimed that they set up a trap in front of the hospital to catch 'fake DB officials' following information from a businessman. The detectives were arrested as they entered the scene.

Meanwhile, DB police have alleged that NSI officials had taken the three officers in custody and tortured them even after they had identified themselves as police officers on the spot.

The suspended detectives are currently admitted at Rajarbagh Police Lines Hospital with injuries.

DB joint commissioner Mir Shahidul Islam, leading a committee investigating the matter, told bdnews24.com: "The committee will send a letter to NSI to present the businessman 'Jewel', who provided the information to NSI, before the committee."

He said, "I have already discussed the matter with an NSI official and we've also visited the spot."

Quoting his NSI co-worker, Islam said, "NSI conducted the raid that day as they had information that some people were committing acts of fraud by claiming themselves as DB officials."

"The investigation is now at the initial stage. The decision will be taken after scrutinising the allegations and statements of the detectives and NSI officials."

An NSI official, seeking anonymity, told bdnews24.com: "Those detectives didn't identify themselves on the spot. Though, they were arrested on Thursday, they had been contacting Jewel from two days ago. They were demanding extortion from him."

He claimed that the three directly fell in their trap which they had set up following the complaint Jewel filed with them on Wednesday.

"They identified themselves as DB officials after they were taken at the NSI headquarters. We handed them over to the DB authorities after contacting them."

He also said that DB's assistant commissioner Sanwar Hossain also linked with the three.

The intelligence officer refuted the allegation of torture. "These police officers have records of illegal activities."

At a press briefing on Sunday, DMP commissioner Benazir Ahmed said, "Investigations are underway against the police officers including Sanwar. Measures will be taken following probe report."

AC Sanwar dismissed the allegation against him and said, "I've talked to the detectives. They said they were beaten severely with sticks."

"Inspector Shafiuddin has received injuries in his left eye while doctors are keeping Ruhul Amin asleep as he got badly hurt in the head," he said.