A BNP leader in Rajapur, Jhalakathi, has been accused by local residents of providing protection to an alleged drug trafficking network, prompting demands for a thorough investigation into the claims and the circumstances surrounding a recent yaba seizure.
Mirajul Islam Tutul Gazi, general secretary of the BNP’s Galua union unit, has been named in a drug-related case filed by Rajapur police under the Narcotics Control Act. Residents allege that his political influence has made it difficult for people in the area to speak openly against him. They have also claimed that his alleged links with some members of the police have prevented his arrest.
The allegations came to the fore following a police operation on the night of 7 August. According to information gathered in the area, Sub-Inspector Delwar Hossain of Rajapur Police Station led a team of officers in an operation based on confidential information.
At around 9pm, police raided the area around Adakhola Community Clinic and arrested Hasan Hawladar, 19, and Mehedi Hasan, 23, both from the locality. Later, at about 11pm, officers conducted another operation at Sonali Mor and arrested Awlad Hossain, 19, of Putiakhali.
Police seized yaba tablets from the three men. A total of 22 yaba tablets were recovered from their possession. According to police sources, information obtained during questioning allegedly pointed towards Tutul Gazi as having a larger quantity of yaba. Police also claimed that he fled from the area after becoming aware of the operation, allegedly carrying the main consignment of yaba with him.
Hasan, Mehedi and Awlad were subsequently made accused in a case filed at Rajapur Police Station. Sub-Inspector Delwar Hossain lodged the case as the complainant. On 8 August, the three arrested men were produced before a Jhalakathi court, which ordered that they be sent to jail.
The allegations have also raised questions among residents about the role of law-enforcement agencies in tackling the suspected drug trade in Putiakhali. Several residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that members of the district police’s Detective Branch regularly visit Putiakhali market and spend time at an office associated with Tutul Gazi.
The residents questioned why officers assigned to combat drugs would maintain close contact with a person whom they accuse of involvement in the trade. They called for CCTV footage from the market to be examined to establish whether such meetings took place and, if so, the nature of those interactions. Their allegations regarding any financial exchange, however, remain unsubstantiated.
Amid growing concern over drug use and trafficking in the area, local residents organised an anti-drug rally at Putiakhali Mirerhat Market on the afternoon of 9 August. Following the rally, participants staged a procession through the market area, calling for stronger action against those involved in the distribution and sale of narcotics.
Aminul Islam, acting chairman of Galua Union, said Tutul Gazi had been made secretary of the union BNP while Shahjahan Omar was associated with the party. He alleged that Tutul became involved in the drug trade after the change in the political circumstances on 5 August and that the alleged operation subsequently expanded.
Aminul further alleged that a daily instalment-based cooperative business was being used as a cover for the suspected drug trade. He also claimed that Tutul’s position as union BNP secretary enabled him to establish contacts with senior administrative officials when they visited Putiakhali Mirerhat.
The allegations against Tutul Gazi have not been established by a court, and his own response to the accusations was not available in the information provided. The drug case and the police investigation will therefore be central to determining whether the allegations are supported by evidence.
Meanwhile, Detective Branch Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Humayun Kabir rejected any suggestion that the police would compromise with drug-related activities. He said no one would be given special treatment because of political status. If any member of the Detective Branch is found to have maintained improper links with an individual on the basis of specific and credible evidence, departmental action would be taken, he said.
The controversy now places greater focus on the investigation into the 7 August operation, the source of the seized yaba and the allegations concerning possible links between suspected drug dealers and law-enforcement personnel. A transparent investigation could help establish the facts and determine whether further legal action is warranted.
