Assaulting Journo: Barishal additional director of DNC, 25 others transferred

Twenty-six officials and staffers of Department of Narcotics (DNC) in Barishal division, including its additional director, have been transferred for violation of discipline and administrative practices.

DNC Deputy Director (Administration) Md Mamun signed the transfer order on behalf of DNC's director general on Sunday.

The transfer order, which was published on the department's website, stated that Hafizur Rahman, additional director of DNC in Barishal; three police inspectors, four deputy inspectors, five assistant inspectors, and six constables; one accountant, two office assistants, two drivers, one office support staffer and one wireless operator were to be transferred.

Hafizur, acknowledging the facts, said the order was passed in connection with the incident where a journalist was assaulted on Saturday.

After receiving a complaint, DNC in Barishal temporarily suspended involved staffers, gave them show cause notice, and sent a letter to the head office for taking departmental action.

Barishal Divisional Commissioner Md Yamin Chowdhury told the Daily Star that the order was passed to maintain official discipline and practices.

On Saturday, defying the lockdown, some staffers of DNC in Barishal drew a crowd of conservancy workers and sold alcohol.

During that period, the employees assaulted Kamal Hossain, video journalist of private television channel Bangla Vision, after he went there to inspect. Kamal then filed a complaint with Hafizur against some of the staffers.

Barishal Deputy Commissioner SM Ajiar Rahman later had sent a letter to DNC to act against those who were involved.