The officer-in-charge (OC) of Chunarughat Police Station in Habiganj, Md. Nur Alam, has been withdrawn from his post and attached to the district police lines following public outcry over a viral video of a search operation he led. The action was confirmed on Saturday, September 13, by Habiganj Superintendent of Police M.A.N. Sajedur Rahman.

The controversy stems from an incident on September 8, when approximately four lakh taka was reportedly stolen from the official residence of OC Nur Alam. In the immediate aftermath, the police chief, along with a team of officers, conducted a raid on the house of his personal driver, Wasim, who was considered a suspect in the theft.

What drew nationwide attention was a six-minute video of the search operation that surfaced on social media shortly after the raid. The footage quickly went viral, triggering heated criticism from the public and sparking debate over the conduct of the police. Many viewers questioned the manner in which the raid was carried out and the role of the OC himself, with some alleging that the incident exposed deeper flaws in the accountability of law enforcement.

As the backlash intensified, senior police authorities intervened, and a decision was taken to remove Nur Alam from his station duties. He has since been reassigned to the Habiganj Police Lines, a move that typically signals disciplinary action pending further investigation.

While officials have not disclosed whether any formal inquiry has been launched, the swift reassignment indicates that the police hierarchy is treating the incident with seriousness. The removal of a police station chief under such circumstances is considered a rare and significant step, reflecting both the sensitivity of the case and the weight of public reaction.

Local residents have followed the case closely, given the unusual circumstances surrounding the theft from a police officer’s residence. Questions remain about how such a large sum of money came to be in the OC’s official quarters, and whether proper procedures were followed in reporting and investigating the theft.

Observers note that the incident highlights ongoing concerns about the image of the police in Bangladesh. Viral videos of controversial actions by law enforcement have increasingly shaped public opinion, often resulting in demands for greater transparency and accountability. In this case, the circulation of the footage appears to have been a decisive factor in prompting higher authorities to act against a senior officer.

For now, Nur Alam remains attached to the police lines, where he will await further instructions from the authorities. Meanwhile, the investigation into the theft itself continues, with no public updates yet on whether any arrests have been made or whether the stolen money has been recovered.

The case has not only raised eyebrows about the conduct of a local police officer but also drawn attention to the broader challenges facing the force in balancing public trust with internal discipline. As the matter unfolds, it is likely to remain in the spotlight, with both the public and the media pressing for accountability.