Foreign ministry ex-DG Sabbir detained while 'infiltrating' through Patgram border

Police seize seven passports from his possession

Police have detained former director general of the foreign ministry Sabbir Bin Shams while allegedly entering Bangladesh “illegally” through the Patgram Upazila border in Lalmonirhat.

District Police chief Md Asaduzzaman said police seized seven passports from his possession during the detention on Saturday afternoon.

The raid was carried out at Dahagram bordering the Upazila, he said.

Sabbir had served as the DG on a three-year contract during the Awami League government and also as a "minister" (public diplomacy) at the Bangladesh High Commission in the UK.

Police said he faces a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to police, he was returning from India.

Around 8:30pm, Asaduzzaman said locals became suspicious of his movements upon his "illegal" entry and subsequently reported him to local police.

After his detention, police handed the former diplomat over to the Detective Branch.

Police said the process of taking further legal action against him is under way.