MOHAMMAD MEHEDI HASAN , BLACK LENS
DATE: 24 MARCH 2025
1. Initial Context: Journalistic Ethics vs. Alleged Criminal Activities
Journalism is widely recognized as the ‘mirror of society.’ However, when this noble profession is reportedly used as a shield to compromise state security and operate alleged criminal enterprises, it poses a severe threat to public safety. The activities of Kh. M Harunur Rashid Dhali, editor of Kasba upazila’s Pakkhik Aparadhpatra and Kasba TV, are cited as documentary evidence of this alleged moral degradation.
Investigations suggest a concerning duality in Dhali’s persona. While publicly claiming the role of a societal watchdog through journalism, allegations and past records point to his behind-the-scenes involvement as a trained cyber offender and blackmailer. The gravity of this investigation extends beyond curbing individual crimes; it is imperative for the protection of state cyber security and national integrity. The following sections outline the alarming picture of Dhali’s alleged violations of state security.
2. Violation of State Cyber Security: The CDMS Database Leak
The Bangladesh Police’s ‘Criminal Data Management System’ (CDMS) is a highly secured internal database containing sensitive criminal records and personal information of citizens. Access to this database by the general public or journalists is strictly prohibited.
- Digital Forensic Analysis: Digital footprints and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analysis of reports published on Kasba TV reveal that on December 28, 2025, at 12:01 PM, documents from this internal police database and a verbatim copy of a citizen’s National Identity Card (NID) were published publicly. The URL (
https://cdms.police.gov.bd/cdms/...) and the specific timestamp strongly indicate an unauthorized leak of state information rather than a legitimate journalistic inquiry. - Violation of Legal Frameworks: These actions are directly contrary to several legal statutes, including:
- The Official Secrets Act, 1923: Unauthorized collection and publication of classified state documents.
- Police Regulations Bengal (PRB): Breach of confidentiality regarding internal police data repositories.
- Cyber Security Act: Illegal infiltration of a protected database and the weaponization of collected data to serve personal vendettas.
This alleged leak of state information appears to be only the tip of the iceberg, as reports suggest his methods of blackmail are far more deep-rooted.
3. The Dark Underworld of Blackmail and Extortion: Sreemangal and RAB’s Raid
Extortion is reportedly a recurring allegation in Kh. M Harunur Rashid Dhali’s record. Accusations suggest he systematically collects personal information or videos of targeted individuals to create social panic, subsequently demanding large sums of money.
- Incident Analysis: According to news archives from the Dainik Samatat newspaper, Dhali was apprehended red-handed by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and sent to jail via court order on charges of demanding Tk 10 lakh from a family in Sreemangal, Sylhet. The published headline read: “Apprehended by RAB while blackmailing in Sreemangal: Editor and publisher of Aparadhpatra, Dhali, sent to jail via court.”
- Alleged Family Crime Syndicate: Local complaints further allege that Dhali does not operate alone; his son is reportedly an active member of this blackmail syndicate. They are accused of secretly recording videos of women and routinely extorting money under the threat of exposing them on social media.
4. Deceiving Colleagues and Orchestrated Character Assassination: The Din Islam Case
The case of Din Islam serves as a reported example of deceiving fellow journalists and allegedly weaponizing state documents for blackmail, revealing the true nature of Dhali’s alleged syndicate.
- Sequence of Deception: Following the recording of a video of smugglers during a 60 BGB operation in Joynagar village, local syndicates reportedly hijacked the motorcycle of journalist Din Islam. Capitalizing on this vulnerability, Dhali and his associate Jamshed (Organizing Secretary of the Kasba Upazila Press Club) allegedly ensnared Din Islam with false promises of assistance.
| Area of Deception | Dhali’s Alleged Promise | The Reported Reality |
| Embezzlement | Claimed money was needed for the ‘smuggling syndicate’ to recover the motorcycle from the BGB camp. | Dhali reportedly received Tk 3,000 in his personal bKash account and misappropriated the funds. |
| Cyber Blackmail | Pledged to stand by him as a fellow journalist. | Refused to return the motorcycle and instead threatened to leak confidential CDMS documents and NID details. |
| Character Assassination | Promised professional recognition as a colleague. | Aired a report on Kasba TV on March 22, 2026, falsely framing Din Islam as a ‘fake journalist’ and ‘drug dealer’. |
5. Anti-State Activities and Political Backing: A ‘Private Intelligence Cell’
Allegations suggest that Kh. M Harunur Rashid Dhali operates what functions as a ‘Private Intelligence Cell’ under the cover of journalism, posing potential risks to national sovereignty.
- Political Collusion and Data Trafficking: Reports indicate close ties between Dhali and Alauddin Babu, the private secretary to former Law Minister Anisul Huq. They were reportedly active in implementing the Awami League’s political agendas and suppressing opponents. Furthermore, severe allegations claim that Dhali is trafficking highly sensitive state data obtained from the CDMS to fugitive criminals and fallen Awami League leaders residing in India and other countries. If proven, this equates to sedition and is a direct assault on Bangladesh’s internal security apparatus.
6. Conclusion and Recommendations: The Need for Institutional Accountability
Collected data and documentary evidence raise serious allegations that Kh. M Harunur Rashid Dhali’s activities align more closely with cyber offenses than professional journalism. From the alleged leaking of classified state information to the misappropriation of citizens’ assets, specific ‘digital footprints’ exist for these purported crimes. Immediate intervention is required to establish the rule of law.
Recommendations:
- Legal Action: Identify the rogue police official who accessed the CDMS system on December 28, 2025, at 12:01 PM, and initiate departmental proceedings and legal action under the Cyber Security Act.
- Cancellation of Registration: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should immediately intervene to revoke the publication and broadcasting registrations of Kasba TV and Pakkhik Aparadhpatra for gross violations of journalistic ethics.
- Arrest and Trial: Expedite the legal process to bring Kh. M Harunur Rashid Dhali and his associate Jamshed to justice for the alleged trafficking of state secrets and extortion.
- Victim Protection: Ensure the recovery of journalist Din Islam’s hijacked motorcycle and guarantee his personal safety.
Closing Remarks: Journalism cannot be a shield for alleged criminal activities. Those who weaponize the media to serve personal vendettas and traffic anti-state information must be held accountable. If this culture of impunity is not dismantled, the state’s cyber security infrastructure may face irreversible damage.
