A heated confrontation broke out on Thursday night between Brahmanbaria-2 MP Rumeen Farhana and Sarail Police Station OC Mohammad Monjur Kader Bhuiyan over alleged security lapses and police misconduct.
The incident occurred around 8:00pm at the OC’s office, where local residents accused police of assault, bribery and corruption. Videos of the exchange later circulated on social media.
According to those present, Rumeen alleged that she had been denied personal security while visiting Durga Puja mandaps in Sarail, despite receiving police protection in neighbouring Bijoynagar and Ashuganj upazilas.
She also accused the OC of behaving discourteously towards an elected MP and questioned his alleged political background.
The confrontation intensified when local resident Unda Mia accused the OC of taking Tk 30,000 from him. He alleged that police had assaulted and detained him when he visited the station over a case involving a relative before sending him to court.
Police officers present denied the allegations, while the OC said he did not know the complainant.
Rumeen also accused him of taking money from businesses involved in sand and soil extraction and brick kilns, while maintaining close ties with local Awami League leaders.
The OC rejected the allegations, saying he attended only official state functions. He also questioned claims involving brick kilns, saying many in the area’s haor region remain submerged for part of the year. Several people demanded the OC’s removal and chanted slogans as tensions rose.
Contacted, OC Monjur said Rumeen had arrived with a large group, creating a “mob-like situation”. He claimed the allegations were false and that she had “coached others to make them”.
Regarding her security, he said police had protected her during Durga Puja as part of overall arrangements but lacked the manpower to assign a separate team to accompany her. She needed to apply to the SP’s office for a personal security officer.
Contacted, Rumeen said elected lawmakers are recognised as VIPs under the state’s “Warrant of Precedence” and the administration’s “Red Book”, entitling them to special protocol and security. “However, the Sarail OC did not answer my phone calls. Instead, he said people will provide security to an elected MP. That is why thousands of people have accompanied me. They are providing my security,” she said.
She said she had visited the station to seek clarification about allegations of irregularities and corruption against the OC.
