A high-profile raid by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on a rented multi-story building owned by Additional DIG Abdullah Al Zahir in Dhaka’s Bhatara area, the officer has been closed and attached to Police Headquarters. The 16-hour operation resulted in the seizure of a massive consignment of narcotics and shisha equipment, as well as the arrest of 84 individuals, including 26 women.
In an emergency official order signed on Tuesday (October 20, 2026), Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir directed the immediate withdrawal and attachment of the officer to headquarters.
IGP Withdrawal Directive: The official order issued by Police Headquarters stated: “Additional DIG (Supernumerary) Abdullah Al Zahir, serving in the Repair and Maintenance Wing of Police Headquarters, is hereby attached to Police Headquarters. This order shall take effect immediately.”
16-Hour Joint DB Operation: The raid commenced late Monday night (October 19, 2026) and continued through Tuesday afternoon at the multi-story property in the Bhatara residential area.
Seizure of Narcotics and Mass Arrests: Detectives seized various types of illicit narcotics, foreign liquor, yaba, Phensedyl, and modern shisha setup kits. A total of 84 individuals—26 women and 58 men—were apprehended on-site.
Online Platform Exploitation & Crime Cell: Preliminary DB interrogations revealed that Additional DIG Zahir had leased out the duplex/flat directly via an online rental platform. The premises were subsequently converted into an illicit venue for drug abuse and anti-social activities.
