Syed Mohammad Farhad, the deputy commissioner (DC) of Diplomatic Security Division of under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), has been withdrawn from his post and attached to headquarters following a fire at Pakistan High Commissioner’s residence.
The decision was announced in a DMP order on Friday. The order did not provide a specific explanation for the move, citing only “administrative reasons.” TIMES of Bangladesh was unable to reach DC Farhad for comment as his mobile phone was found to be switched off.
The incident occurred on Thursday night at the official residence of the Pakistan High Commissioner in Gulshan.
Pakistan’s envoy to Dhaka, Imran Haider, and his wife, Naima Imran, fell ill due to smoke inhalation and were subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a hospital.
A statement from the Pakistan High Commission later confirmed that the Haider is in stable condition and doing well. He remains under observation in hospital as a precautionary measure.
Regarding the administrative action, Niaz Mehedi, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of the DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, said, “I am unaware of why he was attached or what he told the media. If anything is officially communicated on this matter, it will be shared later.”
Prior to his withdrawal, DC Farhad provided an interview to the media regarding the fire. He said that it was initially suspected the fire originated from an electrical short circuit.
“This is a diplomatic residence. Therefore, according to the rules, there is no scope for the Bangladesh police to enter without permission. However, the incident is being investigated,” he had said.
Farhad was posted as the DC of the Diplomatic Security Division on 5 January this year.
