Home ministry sources said Muhammad Abdul Baten, special SP of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police, offered to bribe the minister to have an order for his transfer to Khagrachhari cancelled. A police headquarters press release said last night that Baten was handed over to Ramna Police Station on charges of attempting to bribe the junior minister.

Baten refuted the allegation of bribing and told some reporters that it was a conspiracy against him.

A family source also claimed Baten visited the state minister only to request him to cancel the transfer order, not to offer any bribe.

Police however said Baten, who received the transfer order just two days ago, entered Babar's office at the Secretariat on the plea of having a talk with him. He then put a packet containing money on the table, requested Babar to accept it and cancel his transfer order. He also told the minister that he wanted to remain posted in Dhaka since he is due to retire in about 16 months' time.

Babar informed Home Secretary Omar Farooq and Inspector General of Police Shahudul Haque about the incident. Baten was sent to Ramna Police Station after arrest and suspended.

Sources said Baten had gone to the deputy inspector general of CID, who reportedly assured him of posting in Dhaka. But Baten received another letter asking him to join his new duties in Khagrachhari.