Ex-Addl IGP Iqbal Bahar detained

Former Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Iqbal Bahar was detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Friday evening, sparking widespread discussion over the sudden move against the retired top official.

According to DB sources, Bahar was picked up from a residence in the capital’s Bailey Road area and taken to the DB headquarters on Minto Road for interrogation.

DB Joint Commissioner (South) Mohammad Nasirul Islam confirmed the detention to the press, saying, “He is currently in DB custody and is being questioned. Further details cannot be shared at this stage.”

Authorities have not yet disclosed the nature of the allegations against Iqbal Bahar or whether he will be shown as formally arrested. 

Officials said a decision on further legal action would be taken following the interrogation process.

Iqbal Bahar, a member of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Police cadre, served in various key positions throughout his career. 

He was previously the Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) and later served as Additional IGP at the Rajarbagh Telecom and Information Management (T&I&M) department. He retired from service in 2019.

The sudden detention of such a high-ranking former police official has raised questions within both law enforcement and political circles, although no official explanation has been provided as of press time.

HKJ