Police Officer Sparks Controversy by Garlanding BNP Leader in Shariatpur

A police officer from Naria Police Station in Shariatpur, Inspector (Investigation) Suruj Uddin Ahmed, has come under scrutiny after photos surfaced on social media showing him placing a garland around the neck of Masudur Rahman, Vice-President of the Upazila BNP. The incident, which took place on Sunday, triggered widespread discussion and criticism after the images went viral on Facebook the following day.

Suruj Uddin Ahmed, speaking to, claimed he visited Masudur Rahman’s residence regarding a case and was merely adjusting a garland already around the BNP leader’s neck when someone took the photo. However, his explanation has been met with skepticism.

Previously, on June 15, 2023, Suruj Uddin was temporarily suspended while serving at Padma Bridge South Police Station in Shariatpur. He faced allegations of abducting and assaulting a local businessman, Abu Jafar alias Thandu Chokdar, to extort a Tk 7.2 million cheque, as well as assaulting four suspects in a robbery case. Following the fall of the Awami League government last year, his suspension was lifted, and he was transferred to Naria Police Station on March 25, 2025. Recently, he was also seen celebrating a birthday event with an Awami League leader and a Union Parishad chairman at a restaurant. Masudur Rahman, also known as Ripon Peda, a Germany-based expatriate and resident of Shubhagram in Naria Municipality, returned to Bangladesh on July 7. Since then, BNP leaders, activists, and supporters have been visiting his home to extend their greetings. On Sunday night, Inspector Suruj Uddin visited Masudur’s residence and was photographed placing a garland around his neck. The image, which spread across Facebook, prompted varied reactions. One user, Faruk Alam, commented, “Masudur Rahman doesn’t go to the police station; the Investigation Officer comes to him to exchange greetings. A heartwarming moment.” Masudur Rahman clarified to that he had sought information from Suruj Uddin regarding a murder case involving a relative, for which a final report had been submitted, but the CID had contacted the relative again. He claimed many people were garlanding him during the visit, and Suruj Uddin was merely present at the time the photo was taken.

Naria Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Aslam Uddin Molla stated, “No officer can publicly garland someone to establish personal relations. This violates service regulations and compromises impartiality.” He added that the incident has been reported to senior police authorities for further action.