Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has been carrying out drives against casinos from Sept 18. In the face of criticism and rebuke, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) also carried out some drives at bars and spas. But when police returned empty handed, RAB’s drive one day later discovered huge amount of alcohol. In such a condition, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said: “Since RAB started it, the entire operation will be carried out by the elite force.”

However, many have said that the lack of coordination between police and RAB in carrying out anti-casino drives, is quite evident.

Reportedly, several high level police officers plus influential political leaders used to take monthly payments from such unscrupulous operations to remain silent.

Additional Director General of RAB, Col Tofael Mostafa, said: “We carry out our operations within a set guideline and the current campaign against casinos will also follow the same pattern.”

Since information about collusive behaviour has come out, the police are embarrassed.

A mid-level police official said: “It’s true that police could not carry out drives due to political influence but if the police had received authority from the highest level, then they could have done the work too.”

A source says that prior to the anti-casino drive, a special intelligence unit of the government made a list of Jubo League leaders involved in unethical business.

An intelligence official observes: “Due to several reasons, there is a negative attitude among people regarding the police and if the police had been involved, the drive could have faced criticism.”

Moreover, since police has direct links with political leaders, there is a chance that the attitude may be slipshod during the drive.

In addition, ‘tender king’ GK Shamim has confessed to giving monthly payments to police officials. Newly appointed DMP Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam said: “The named police officers are under probe and measures will be taken against them.”

Former DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia has said: “The failure is not just for the police but for the whole system.”

An official of the police headquarters opined: “RAB is a unit of the police so a RAB drive means a police mission but it’s true that allegations of irregularities against RAB members are far less than that of the police."