Authorities at the University of Chittagong have discovered a secret facility used for producing local alcohol in a room near the greenhouse beside the Faculty of Biological Sciences. A significant amount of locally brewed alcohol and weapons used for hunting wildlife were recovered, and two individuals were detained.
Acting on a confidential source, the university’s proctorial team conducted a raid at around 12:30 am on Monday on a room located on the north side of the bridge in the greenhouse area. The operation was led by Proctor Dr Hosain Shaheed Sohrawardi and Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid Kanan. Approximately 40 litres of local alcohol were seized, and the producers — Suman Chakma and a woman accompanying him — were taken into custody.
Reports indicate that Suman Chakma had resided and farmed for nearly 15 years on land leased from the university at Bakhtiar Fakirstha. He lived in a small tin house and brewed alcohol for years in an extended verandah behind the cowshed. During the search, authorities recovered around 30 litres of freshly produced alcohol. They also seized 5 litres of ‘dexi’, bottles prepared for delivery, and various tools used in alcohol production. A sales ledger was also confiscated.
Allegations suggest that Suman Chakma was also involved in hunting wild animals — including wild boar, deer and jungle fowl — using homemade firearms in the university’s forested area. He would reportedly sell the meat clandestinely. Information has emerged that some university students regularly purchased alcohol from him. Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid Kanan mentioned that several students who frequently visited the area were now under observation.
When questioned, Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid Kanan explained that suspicious movement of outsiders and certain students near the Faculty of Biological Sciences alerted campus security. After confirming the situation through discreet monitoring, a team of 7–8 members, including the proctor and security supervisors Nuruddin and Mohiuddin, conducted the raid at 12:30 am on Monday. Suman Chakma and the woman present were detained, and he later admitted that she was not his wife.
Law enforcement officers from the university police outpost, led by Inspector Mostafa Kamal, provided support during the operation. Police collected evidence from the site and stated that the accused had been sent to court after being charged under narcotics control laws, wildlife killing offences and involvement in immoral activities.
Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid Kanan added that the university had initiated the process of cancelling the land lease due to illegal alcohol brewing. He also noted that the leaseholder would face financial penalties for unauthorised tree cutting.
Glive24/SS