Barguna, July 27 (V7N) — Two members of the naval police have been temporarily suspended following reports alleging that money was collected from fishermen by the Char Duani Naval Police Camp in Patharghata upazila of Barguna.
The suspended officials are Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kabir Ahmed and Constable Asadul. Barishal Naval Police Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Mostafa Kamal confirmed the suspension on Sunday afternoon.
He said an investigation into the allegations has already begun and that he is currently staying at the Char Duani Naval Police Camp in Patharghata as part of the inquiry.
"The two accused members have already been suspended. The officer in charge of the camp cannot avoid responsibility either. After a proper investigation, necessary action will be taken if required," Mostafa Kamal said.
He added, "A force does not take responsibility for the personal misconduct of any individual member. Whoever commits an offence will be held responsible."
The action came shortly after investigative reports were published by several media outlets, including RTV, alleging that members of the Char Duani Naval Police Camp had been collecting money from fishermen. Following the reports, the Naval Police Headquarters took the matter seriously and ordered an investigation.
The investigation reports revealed allegations that around 30,000 fishermen use the Bhangani Canal near the Bishkhali and Baleshwar rivers in Barguna to reach nearby rivers and the Bay of Bengal for fishing activities.
According to the allegations, fishermen had been required to pay between Tk 2,500 and Tk 3,000 per fishing boat to pass through the canal for a long period. Although complaints had existed for years, no specific evidence had previously been available.
The media investigation later uncovered multiple call recordings and video footage allegedly showing money collection.
Meanwhile, the officer-in-charge of the Char Duani Naval Police Camp, Gaznabi Mia, denied the allegations when contacted for comment. During the attempt to collect his statement, there were also allegations that Constable Asadul tried to take away the journalists' mobile phone.
The suspension of the two naval police members following publication of the reports has created widespread discussion in the area. Naval Police officials said further administrative action could be taken against those found involved after completion of the investigation.
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