Due to the controversy, he was transferred from the DB on July 31, 2024. That day is remembered by many as the day 'Harun's Rice Hotel' was shut down.
How the 'Rice Hotel' controversy began
On July 29, 2023, BNP leader Goyeshwar Chandra Roy was arrested during a movement and taken to the DB office. Later, Harun-or-Rashid released a video of himself personally feeding him rice. The video sparked widespread criticism on social media.
Subsequently, bringing politicians, artists, content creators, and other prominent figures to the DB office, serving them food, and releasing those videos became a regular occurrence. Critics alleged that these activities were being used as a tool for personal publicity at the expense of the detective agency's image.
The origin of the name 'Haun Uncle'
Harun-or-Rashid also became known by another name—'Haun Uncle'. On one occasion, child artist Simrin Lubaba, while speaking to the media, mistakenly addressed him as 'Haun' instead of 'Harun'. Later, this name spread widely on social media and became a satirical identity.
New controversy during the movement
During the anti-discrimination student movement, allegations arose that six coordinators were taken to the DB office on the pretext of security and kept confined for more than 24 hours.
Later, videos were recorded and circulated of them being made to announce the withdrawal of the movement. At the same time, photos of them eating rice together were also published, sparking nationwide criticism.
In response to this incident, the High Court expressed displeasure, commenting: "Do not mock the nation; whoever you catch, you seat them at the dining table."
The matter was also discussed in a meeting of the then ruling alliance. Subsequently, following the decision, on July 31, Harun was transferred from the DB and given the responsibility of Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of DMP.
A series of controversies
Harun-or-Rashid's career has been marked by multiple controversies. In 2011, his name came up in connection with the assault on opposition leader Zainal Abedin Faruk.
During his tenure as Superintendent of Police in Gazipur and Narayanganj, he was also embroiled in various controversies. In Narayanganj, he faced widespread criticism after detaining the family of businessman Shawkat Aziz Russell and later releasing CCTV footage.
While serving in the DB, he also faced criticism over the arrest of content creator Hero Alam and the subsequent arrangement of a meal with him. Hero Alam later alleged that he was served only mashed potatoes, lentils, and fried vegetables, unlike other guests.
Additionally, allegations were made that he used bloggers, TikTokers, and various content creators to produce promotional videos in his favor.
Missing after the fall of the government
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5, 2024, in the face of student-public protests, Harun-or-Rashid has not been seen in public since. No official information about his current whereabouts has been obtained.
However, the 'Rice Hotel' controversy at the DB office, the detention of movement coordinators, and a series of other high-profile incidents remain one of the most talked-about chapters in Bangladesh's recent political history.
