DB Harun, whose full name is Harun-or-Rashid, is a prominent figure in the Bangladeshi police force, currently serving as the Chief of the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). See more of him here.
His career has been marked by both significant achievements and controversies, making him a well-known, albeit polarizing, figure in Bangladesh.
Born in the Kishoreganj District, Harun comes from a modest background. His father, Abdul Hasem, and mother, Zohura Khatun, raised him in the village of Hossainpur under Mithamoin upazila. Harun pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree from Dhaka University, as well as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Jahangirnagar University. This educational background laid a solid foundation for his career in law enforcement.
Harun’s rise through the ranks of the police force began with his appointment as Deputy Commissioner of the Lalbagh Division of DMP. His career took a controversial turn in 2012 when he was involved in an incident during an anti-government protest. He was accused of assaulting Zainul Abedin Farroque, a member of parliament from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Chief Opposition Whip. The incident led to an attempted murder case being filed against him and several other police officers, although the case was later rejected by a magistrate.
In 2013, Harun received a medal from the Bangladesh Police, which was met with criticism from the media, as it was perceived as a reward for his actions during the protest. Despite the controversies, he continued to advance in his career and was elected Secretary General of the Bangladesh Police Service Association in January 2016.
Harun’s tenure has not been without further allegations. In May 2016, a subordinate officer was reported to have extorted a significant sum of money from a businessman on Harun’s behalf, leading to accusations of corruption and misuse of power. This incident highlighted ongoing concerns about the integrity of police operations under his command.
In December 2018, Harun was appointed Superintendent of Police of Narayanganj District. His appointment came amid political tensions, as the previous superintendent was transferred at the request of the BNP due to political affiliations. Harun’s leadership in Narayanganj was marked by further allegations of misconduct, including accusations of extortion and harassment against journalists.
In November 2019, Harun was involved in a high-profile incident where he claimed to have arrested the wife and minor son of a businessman, alleging drug possession. However, CCTV footage contradicted his account, showing that the family members were detained unlawfully. This incident further tarnished his reputation, leading to his transfer to the police headquarters amid ongoing investigations into his conduct.
Despite these controversies, Harun was promoted to Deputy Commissioner of DMP in May 2020 and later to Additional Deputy Inspector General in May 2021. His career continued to progress, culminating in his appointment as the Chief of the Detective Branch of DMP in July 2022. This position places him at the forefront of criminal investigations in Dhaka, where he is expected to lead efforts against organized crime and corruption.
Throughout his career, Harun has been a polarizing figure, often criticized for his aggressive tactics and alleged involvement in corrupt practices. His actions have sparked debates about police accountability and the role of law enforcement in a democratic society. Supporters argue that he is a dedicated officer committed to maintaining law and order, while critics view him as a symbol of the challenges facing the Bangladeshi police force.
In summary, DB Harun’s journey through the ranks of the Bangladeshi police is a testament to both his ambition and the complexities of law enforcement in a politically charged environment. His career reflects the ongoing struggles within the police force regarding integrity, accountability, and the balance between maintaining order and respecting civil rights. As he continues to serve in a leadership role, the implications of his actions will likely resonate within the broader context of Bangladesh’s law enforcement landscape.