Paid Stand-In Serves Prison Time While Real Culprit Free

Gazipur, Bangladesh: In an astonishing turn of events in Gazipur, a man named Saiful Islam has been imprisoned in place of the real accused in a forestry-related criminal case—for a mere BDT 15,000. The true defendant, Sattar Mia, who should have been serving his sentence, is reportedly moving freely in the local area, while Saiful, a resident of the same village, remains behind bars.

The case involves illegal tree felling in the Phulbaria (or Kachighata) range of Kaliakair Upazila, where forest officials apprehended several individuals on 9 September. Some managed to escape, prompting the Forest Department to file a lawsuit against those involved. Sattar Mia, aged 45 and residing in Mothajuri Talchala village, eventually appeared in court on 7 December, after which the judge ordered him to remain in prison. However, local investigations revealed that Sattar continued to roam his village freely.

How the Swap Occurred

According to villagers, Sattar’s associates persuaded Saiful Islam, aged 30 and son of Rahim Badsha, to act as a proxy in court proceedings, promising financial incentives. Saiful reportedly agreed and submitted himself to the Gazipur District Jail under Sattar’s name.

The deception only came to light when prison authorities conducted a biometric verification. Jail Superintendent Mohammad Rafiqul Qader confirmed:

“During entry, the inmate gave the name ‘Sattar’, so there was no reason to suspect. Later, a biometric check revealed that he is actually Saiful Islam. We have informed the court about the discrepancy.”

Saiful’s father, Rahim Badsha, stated:

“He went to present himself on behalf of Sattar, believing he would receive a guarantee of bail in exchange for 15,000 taka.”

Attempts to reach Sattar by phone revealed that he was in Mawa on personal business, contradicting court records that should have kept him in jail.

Official Comments and Local Reaction

Forest Range Officer Sharif Khan noted that officials were powerless when confronted by armed locals and had no choice but to seize evidence and file the case.

The incident has sparked widespread local outrage, raising concerns about corruption and the use of “hired defendants” in legal proceedings. Villagers argue that the practice undermines justice and exposes vulnerabilities in both the judicial and prison systems.

This case has ignited a debate over the integrity of the justice system, highlighting how financial incentives can subvert law enforcement and leave the real perpetrators free to act with impunity.