Criminal Networks Become Active Ahead of National Election

With the forthcoming national parliamentary election approaching, concerns are mounting in Kaliganj Upazila of Jhenaidah district over a renewed surge in organised criminal activity and the use of illegal firearms. Local residents, civil society representatives, and security sources report that armed groups are becoming increasingly visible, raising serious fears about public safety and the integrity of the electoral environment.

According to multiple local and security sources, criminal elements—some allegedly operating with political patronage—have begun mobilising in the border-adjacent areas of Jhenaidah, where illicit arms trafficking has long posed a challenge. The proximity to international borders is believed to have facilitated the steady flow of illegal weapons into several upazilas, including Kaliganj.

Law enforcement agencies have already carried out a number of operations, resulting in the arrest of several suspects. On 23 November, the Bangladesh Army conducted a raid in the Sarabaria area of Kaliganj, recovering a pistol, ammunition, and locally made weapons that had been abandoned. During the operation, a suspect identified as Masud reportedly fled the scene. Subsequent searches of his residence led to the recovery of an Indian-made pistol bearing the inscription “Made in India”, along with three rounds of ammunition and additional crude weapons.

Security officials state that Masud Hossain is a known criminal figure, with more than ten cases filed against him across multiple police stations, including charges related to illegal arms possession and homicide. Police later arrested Alauddin Al Azad, a former union chairman and former youth wing leader, from Ramchandrapur market on 19 December. He is accused of sheltering Masud, though investigations are ongoing.

Local enquiries suggest that Alauddin Al Azad and a former chairman of the neighbouring Jamal Union Parishad, Nazrul Islam Mollah, have for years allegedly led armed groups that exert control through intimidation and violence. Following the Awami League’s rise to power in 2009, Nazrul Mollah reportedly strengthened his political connections, enabling the group to expand its influence across strategically important areas of the Jhenaidah-4 parliamentary constituency. Several individuals from surrounding villages have been named by locals as being involved in criminal operations, though authorities stress that allegations will be tested through due legal process.

Political violence in the area is not new. On 9 November last year, the president of the Kola Union BNP was attacked with machetes in a public market. The following day, the union’s general secretary was similarly assaulted, while the home of a local student political leader was vandalised and looted.

Sources further claim that since the announcement of the election schedule, plans for sabotage may be underway in the Jhenaidah-4 constituency. Allegations have also emerged regarding financial backing from certain labour leaders, though these claims remain under investigation and have not been judicially established.

Human rights activist and civil society representative Anwaruzzaman Azad warned that heightened criminal activity poses a grave risk to voters. “There appears to be a deliberate attempt to destabilise the election process. Without strict monitoring, the situation could spiral into serious bloodshed,” he said.

Kaliganj Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Jellal Hossain, confirmed that multiple intelligence teams are actively working in the area. “Several arrests have already been made, and we are maintaining a zero-tolerance stance against criminal violence,” he stated.

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