Keeping in mind the slogan of ‘orderly, secure highways’, the Bangladesh Highway Police works to maintain order on the highway, prevent accidents and ensure safe travel for passengers and drivers. But serious allegations have been made against the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shyamganj Highway Police Station under Purbadhala Police Station on the Mymensingh-Netrokona Highway, Md. Aminul Islam, for engaging in exactly the opposite activities.

Local residents and victimized vehicle drivers allege that since taking charge, he has been engaging in open extortion on the highway and taking drivers hostage to extort money.

Fear of lawsuits despite having documents, taking money through mobile banking

Several drivers who did not want to be named said that OC Aminul Islam forced them to pay money by threatening them with false lawsuits even though they had valid vehicle documents and a driver’s license. And those whose documents have expired or have any defects are assigned a monthly contract or ‘Masohara’.

The drivers claim that the OC directly told them, “Contact me, give me the car number and send the monthly amount to a specific Bikash or Nagad number.” According to the victims, the truth of the lakhs of taka received for the monthly amount will be found only if the transactions of the OC’s personal and close friends’ mobile banking numbers are checked.

Collection of ‘wrecker bill’ even though there is no wrecker

Another major complaint of the drivers is that despite the Shyamganj Highway Police Station not having its own wrecker (vehicle for towing damaged vehicles), on the orders of the OC, cars are often stopped and a large sum of money is taken by threatening them with ‘wrecker bill’ and ‘false case’.

The power of power and a mountain of illegal wealth

The investigation revealed that OC Aminul Islam intimidated drivers and locals by claiming to be politically influential. Although his home is in Kishoreganj district, he has a six-story house in Narsingdi district town and a huge amount of land and illegal assets in his name and name.

Locals said that severe traffic jams occur in the traditional Shyamganj Bazar on Fridays during the weekly market day. Although the responsibility of keeping the highways running lies with the Highway Police, OC Aminul Islam leaves his workplace every Friday and goes home and joins the office on Sundays. As a result, drivers and the general public suffer greatly. Local residents have demanded the immediate withdrawal and punishment of this corrupt officer.

When contacted on his mobile phone to inquire about the allegations, Shyamganj Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Aminul Islam claimed that all the allegations against him were completely baseless and untrue.

What the officials concerned said

Mymensingh Highway Circle Assistant Superintendent of Police Ranjoy Chandra Mallick said, “I am not aware of these matters. However, if the specific allegations are found to be true, the higher authorities will be informed and departmental and necessary legal action will be taken against him.”