Yuusuf Faces Two-Day Remand in Fraud Case

A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for Md Yuusuf, aged 61, a key associate of accused syndicate leader Hanif Howlader, also known as Abdul Aziz Khan, in a case involving the alleged use of forged national identity documents, attempted land grabbing in Gulshan, and a demand for 2 million Bangladeshi Taka in extortion.

The order was issued on Sunday, 19 April, by Dhaka Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Md Safatullah after a hearing in which the accused was produced before the court.

During the proceedings, the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md Arman Ali of Gulshan Police Station, sought a 10-day remand for Yuusuf. He told the court that the accused was a close associate of the so-called Abdul Aziz Khan and part of a fraud and land-grabbing syndicate. According to the investigation, the group had attempted to take over properties in Gulshan using forged documents and fabricated identities. He further stated that custodial interrogation was necessary to identify the main orchestrator, locate absconding accused no. 1 Ismail, and uncover other individuals involved behind the scenes.

The state prosecution, represented by advocate Shamsuddha Suman, supported the remand application, stating that the person known as Abdul Aziz Khan had already confessed in court and admitted that he was not the real Abdul Aziz Khan. The lawyer further argued that the group targeted large properties in Gulshan for extortion and that Yuusuf was directly involved in the operations. The prosecution therefore requested that he be placed on remand for further investigation.

On the other hand, defence lawyer Golam Mostafa opposed the remand and sought its cancellation. After hearing both sides, the court granted a two-day remand for the accused.

According to the case statement, on 1 March, a group of 20 to 25 unidentified individuals, led by Ismail and Yuusuf, entered a house located at Road 127, House 15 in Gulshan-1. They allegedly halted construction work, damaged a boundary wall, and demanded 2 million Taka from the property manager. The group also reportedly threatened security personnel and labourers with death if the money was not paid. In addition, several fruit trees inside the property, including mango and jackfruit trees, were cut down.

Following the incident, a case was filed on 3 March by the property manager, Abu Shikder Abu, at Gulshan Police Station.

Investigations revealed that the accused had been attempting to seize the property for a prolonged period. The former owner, Abdul Aziz Khan, had already died. The individual posing as Abdul Aziz Khan was identified as Md Hanif Howlader, whose father was the late Abdul Gafur Howlader and mother the late Hamida Begum. His permanent address is in Betagi, Barguna district. He was arrested in connection with the case and gave a confessional statement before the court on 11 April. He is currently in custody.

Case Timeline

Reports indicate that following the incident, the group vacated the property within days, after which the rightful owners regained possession.