Crime in uniform
The rule of law is facing serious questions as a series of allegations involving rape, sexual exploitation, forced abortion, physical abuse and other offences by serving and former police personnel has raised concerns over whether accused law enforcers are being held to the same legal standards as ordinary citizens.
The allegations, involving officers ranging from additional deputy inspector generals to constables, have also drawn scrutiny over the use of administrative measures such as transfers, withdrawal from posts and attachment to Police Lines instead of immediate criminal proceedings.
According to information from police sources and case records, complaints have been made against personnel in different parts of the country.
In several cases, victims alleged that officers used their official positions, promises of marriage or employment, threats and other forms of coercion to exploit them.
One case involves OSD Additional DIG Mohammad Zahirul Islam, who was then superintendent of police in Magura.
A woman identified as Awami League leader Swarnali Jowardar Riya alleged that Zahirul began a relationship with her in January 2021 after promising to divorce his wife.
She alleged that he subsequently sexually exploited her at official and private residences.
After she demanded marriage in July 2025, she said he threatened her when she sought legal action.
A judicial inquiry later led to an arrest warrant, although he was granted bail by a Dhaka tribunal on 28 July 2026.
In another case, Tourist Police Headquarters SP Mizanur Rahman has been accused by fellow constable Mosammat Lima Khatun of sexually exploiting her for months on the promise of marriage.
She alleged that he threatened to obstruct her promotion and posting when she pressed him to marry her. She submitted a statement after approaching the SPBN office in April 2026.
Former Bagerhat SP Moktar Hossain also faced a rape case filed by a fellow female police inspector following allegations dating back to his service in a UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur in 2019.
The case was later closed after the accused married the complainant, according to the account provided.
Other allegations concern domestic violence and dowry. Joypurhat Sadar Circle Additional SP Arif Hossain was accused by his wife Samia Khan Esha of accepting Tk40.8 lakh in gifts at their marriage and subsequently demanding another Tk40 lakh.
She alleged that he assaulted her at their government residence in January 2025, causing a chest fracture. She later publicly described the allegations at a press conference.
There are also allegations involving officers who allegedly used their authority to exploit complainants or detainees.
Former Barisal Range Additional SP Alep Uddin has been accused of sexually assaulting the wife of a detainee after allegedly threatening her husband’s life.
Investigators formally recorded evidence relating to the allegation in February 2025.
In Hatiya, Inspector Khorshed Alam, then in charge of the Jahajmara Police Investigation Centre, was accused of raping a teenage girl. After her mother’s complaint, the family reportedly went into hiding.
A video of the mother’s appeal for justice circulated widely in June 2026, after which the inspector was withdrawn from the centre.
Other cases include allegations against officers in Chapainawabganj, Khulna, Dhaka, Bhola, Barguna, Gaibandha, Panchagarh, Jhalokathi, Rangpur, Sherpur, Sylhet and Noakhali.
Some cases resulted in arrests or court proceedings. In one case, South Keraniganj police member Safiur Rahman was arrested after a female colleague alleged repeated sexual assault and threats involving recorded footage.
In another, Panchagarh SI Abdul Jalil was sent to jail in March 2022 after a case involving allegations of rape.
Dhaka SI Shariful Islam was also jailed in August 2023 following a case in which an investigation reportedly substantiated allegations of sexual exploitation and forced abortion.
Police records cited in the allegations show the scale of complaints against personnel.
Internal statistics from Police Headquarters and Dhaka Metropolitan Police indicate that around 18,000 complaints are filed against police personnel annually, while roughly 2,000 officers receive minor or major disciplinary penalties.
A DMP analysis found that about 42 per cent of cases against police personnel fall under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act.
Critics argue that the frequent use of transfers, withdrawal or attachment to Police Lines can weaken accountability when allegations amount to criminal offences.
Several senior police officers approached for comment declined to discuss the issue.
Rights groups, including Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), have stressed the importance of accountability when state officials are accused of abuses.
International human rights standards also recognise sexual violence committed through abuse of official power as a serious human rights violation.
The allegations have therefore revived calls for an independent Police Complaints Commission capable of investigating complaints against police personnel irrespective of rank.
The broader concern is whether disciplinary action alone can adequately address allegations that potentially constitute criminal offences and whether equal application of the law can be ensured when those accused are themselves members of the law-enforcement apparatus.
