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On June 23, the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) released a press statement with a photo following the arrest of Md. Ramiz Uddin, an alleged drug dealer from Tongi, Gazipur. The photo featured Assistant Director Marfia Afroz, who led the operation and whose office has now been sealed due to irregularities. During a drug raid in Tongi, Gazipur, DNC officials arrested Md. Ramiz Uddin and seized yaba tablets from his residence. However, a bank check recovered during the operation was not included in the seizure list, raising suspicions. Sources indicate that the check, worth several lakhs of taka, was allegedly used in an attempt to withdraw money, an action deemed highly irregular. Following complaints from the suspect’s family, an investigation was launched, leading to the removal of four DNC officials, including Assistant Director Marfia Afroz, from their duties. They have been reassigned to the DNC headquarters in Dhaka. The raid occurred on June 22, when DNC officials detained Ramiz Uddin near Tongi Government College and searched his rented residence in Dakshin Kha Para, recovering 15,000 yaba tablets in two polybags. The case filed by Marfia Afroz listed 5,000 yaba tablets in one polybag, 10,000 in another, and a mobile phone, but omitted the bank check. Sources suggest this omission was deliberate, prompting the DNC to seal Marfia’s office in Gendaria, Dhaka, on Tuesday. Marfia, who was on leave, was summoned for questioning, during which she reportedly fell ill and was admitted to a private hospital. Marfia admitted to recovering a bank check during the raid, which was later found in her office drawer by a subordinate, Constable Sohel Rana. She claimed uncertainty about handling the check due to her recent appointment. The operation involved eight DNC officials, including Inspector Shahria Sharmin, Sub-Inspector Abdullah Al Mamun, Sub-Inspector Md. Jannatul Ferdaus, Assistant Sub-Inspector Md. Ataul Haque, and Constables Sohel Rana, Abdur Rahman, Saimum Hasan Khan, and Md. Lutfar Rahman. However, only four—Marfia, Jannatul Ferdaus, Ataul Haque, and Sohel Rana—were disciplined, sparking criticism within the DNC for selective accountability. DNC Assistant Director (Public Relations) Mostak Ahmed stated that senior officials found the case’s evidence handling unsatisfactory, leading to Marfia’s reassignment. He emphasized that individuals, not the institution, are responsible for misconduct, and appropriate action will follow thorough investigations.
