Controversial Narail Fisheries Officer Transferred Amid Bribery Allegations

Md. Abu Raihan, the Senior Upazila Fisheries Officer of Narail Sadar, has been transferred to Terkhada Upazila in Khulna following public controversy surrounding bribery and assault allegations.

The transfer order, signed on July 2 by the Acting Director General of the Department of Fisheries, Dr. Md. Khaled Kanak, directed Raihan to his new post. He officially joined the Terkhada office on Monday, July 6. The Kalia Upazila Fisheries Officer will temporarily assume his duties in Narail Sadar.

Raihan’s reassignment follows widespread media reports detailing a local dispute. On June 28, Raihan filed a police case against local volunteer group leader Md. Jisanur and several unidentified individuals, alleging they vandalized his office, obstructed government work, and assaulted him.

The following day, Jisanur held a press conference to issue counter-allegations. He accused the fisheries officer of taking bribes under the guise of an exhibition project allocation, claiming Raihan attacked him when he demanded a refund. Jisanur dismissed the police case against him as deliberate harassment.

While Raihan has consistently denied all allegations, he had been on leave since the incident gained public attention. Although the Department of Fisheries officially classified the transfer as a routine administrative process without citing specific reasons, local stakeholders believe the swift reassignment is a direct response to the recent controversies.