The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) is tasked with curbing the spread of drugs in the country, but the influence of Bangabandhu Parishad overshadows its operations.
The 31-member committee of this council used to determine all transfers, postings and appointments within the department, making the officials to become more influential and powerful.
Some DNC officials claimed that the leaders of Bangabandhu Parishad did not care anyone and acted at whim. This council was so powerful that no one dared to stand against them. Those who stood against them faced harassment, including forced transfers. Only those who aligned themselves with the council got ‘price postings’ and the leaders regularly collected their shares. Additionally, large sums of money were taken during postings.
It has been alleged that the areas with higher drug usage, drug dealers, and alcohol bars generated more illegal income for narcotics officers. Hence, postings to these areas are known as ‘price postings’ within the department. With the help of former Home Minister
Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, the leaders of Bangabandhu Parishad have become more powerful over time. Sources concerned claimed that appointments to the DNC were made based on the lists sent by the former minister. For each appointment, leaders of Bangabandhu Parishad would have taken bribe ranging from Tk 5 lakh to Tk 10 lakh and sent the money to the former home minister’s house at Farmgate. Officials also regularly gave a portion of their illegal earnings to Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
Investigations revealed that several departmental cases lodged against Dr Dulal Krishna Saha, President of Bangabandhu Parishad, and Chief Chemical Examiner of DNC, are now pending. One such case involves a false report on 5-kg heroin at Godagari upazila in Rajshahi. Another incident occurred eight months ago when 20 crore worth of heroin was seized during a joint operation at Sitakunda in Chattogram. When heroin was sent to Dhaka for chemical testing, Dr Dulal Krishna Saha provided an incomplete report, stating that ‘drug-like substance’ instead of identifying it as heroin. He is accused of providing false and incomplete reports on major drug hauls across the country, allegedly amassing crores of taka in the process.
Abul Hossain, Vice-President of Bangabandhu Parishad and Deputy Director (North Dhaka), was a leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League Dhaka University Unit. His close ties with influential Awami League leader Amir Hossain Amu helped him get promotion as additional director superseding seniors. However, a court order later reinstated him as deputy director.
Currently, Abul Hossain holds the most important position in the capital’s North Dhaka region. Under his jurisdiction, he extorted money from several Bihari camps at Mirpur and Mohammadpur regularly, enabling unchecked drug trade. These camps are hotspots for drug sales, with several crores worth of drugs sold daily. Several videos showed that drugs were sold at these camps.
Despite frequent efforts over phone, Abul Hossain could not be reached for his comments about the allegations brought against him.
Another key figure is Md Rabiul Islam, Vice-President of Bangabandhu Parishad and Deputy Director (Dhaka Intelligence). He spent most of his career in the capital during the tenure of DNC Director General (DG) Md Atowar Rahman. Rabiul used his influence to engage in posting business during this time. When he visited the headquarters, everyone was on edge as he would arrange postings for officers that day. It is reported that he continues his posting business under the banner of Bangabandhu Parishad. However, he denied the allegations brought against him.
Rahul Sen, Office Secretary of Bangabandhu Parishad and Assistant Director (North Dhaka), was Joint General Secretary of Jagannath Hall Chhatra League Unit during his student life. He spent most of his time at former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan’s house, using his influence to engage in transfer business and accumulating crores of taka. His relationship with the minister was so close that Asaduzzaman Khan attended Rahul Sen’s wedding ceremony in Chattogram, leaving his official duties in Dhaka.
Another key player is Md Mehedi Hasan, Vice President of the second committee of Bangabandhu Parishad and Deputy Director (Administration). He was Vice President of Shahidullah Hall Chhatra League Unit during his student life. Although his career started as an Assistant Director (Research and Publication), he managed to secure the position of Assistant Director (Licence). Sitting at the headquarters, he issued liquor bar licences across the country, charging Tk 5-Tk 8 lakh for each licence, thereby amassing crores of taka.
But when Khandakar Rakibur Rahman was made Director General of DNC, Mehedi got involved in transfer business. Throughout his career, Mehedi received multiple ‘price postings,’ including Deputy Director (Gazipur), Deputy Director (Bogura), and Assistant Director (Dhaka Intelligence Branch).
Similarly, other leaders involved in this syndicate include Md Hamimur Rashid, General Secretary of the second committee of Bangabandhu Parishad and Deputy Director, who spent almost nine years at the headquarters. He also received ‘price postings’ in Manikganj for one year and has recently been transferred to Patuakhali.
In the same way, Shahin Mahmud, Assistant Director (Staff Officer) and Assistant Cultural Secretary of Bangabandhu Parishad, was also involved with the syndicate.
Another member of this syndicate is Md Bazlur Rahman, Vice President of Bangabandhu Parishad and Deputy Director (Operations), who has worked at the headquarters since the beginning of his career.
Investigations revealed that the following individuals are involved in this syndicate: Dr Dulal Krishna Saha (President of the first committee), Md Abul Hossain (Vice-President and Deputy Director, Dhaka North), Md Rabiul Islam (Vice-President and Deputy Director), Md Bazlur Rahman (Vice-President and Deputy Director), Rahul Sen (Office Secretary and Assistant Director), and Shirin Akter (Publicity Secretary and Assistant Director). Other syndicate members include the second committee of Bangabandhu Parishad — Md Rabiul Islam (President and Deputy Director of Dhaka Intelligence), Md Hamimur Rashid (General Secretary and Deputy Director), and Md Mehedi Hasan (Vice-President and Deputy Director).
When contacted, Director General (DG) of Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), Khondoker Mostafizur Rahman, said “It is not right that this council was formed under his umbrella. He acknowledges the existence of the council but claims to be unaware of its activities. Moreover, this council does not have any activities and should not exist in the current context.”
When asked why he did not take action against them after taking charge, he ignored the issue.
