Allegations of Land Grabbing and Extortion Raised Against Former Councillor Mamun in Old Dhaka

Serious allegations of land grabbing and extortion have been raised against former ward councillor Mamun in Old Dhaka, with accusations continuing to intensify. According to sources, during construction work on inherited property owned by minority community member Shubho Basak in Nawabpur, a group of armed men led by Mamun allegedly demanded Tk 50 million in extortion money. A case regarding the incident was filed against Mamun at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka over an alleged extortion attempt at a house located in Nawabpur areas 221 and 222. The case was registered as CR Case No. 1934/2024 under sections 323, 379, 385, 387, 427, and 506 of the Penal Code. Despite maintaining the image of a “respectable man,” allegations suggest that Mamun has been involved in various unlawful activities. Using what locals describe as an invisible circle of influence, he allegedly established dominance in areas including Nawabpur, Fulbaria, and Siddique Bazar. Mamun Ahmed, who serves as Joint Secretary of Banshal Thana BNP, is accused of misusing his political position under the guise of public service and humanitarian work. Locals claim that due to fear of him and his alleged associates, no one dares to protest. He previously served as councillor of Ward No. 34 under Dhaka South City Corporation and also claims to be president of the Nawabpur Shop Owners’ Association. Residents allege that following the political transition after the mass uprising of 2024, Mamun and his close associates strategically moved to take control of various commercial establishments. As part of this alleged operation, control over markets such as Zaker Super Market, City Plaza, and Nagar Plaza reportedly came under his influence. Business owners claim that a powerful syndicate has been formed to control shop allocations, rental rates, rearrangements, and to collect extra money under various pretexts. Locals further allege that Mamun’s brother Faruk, along with associates Kashmiri Liton, Shukkur, Monu, and Moktar Hossain, are actively involved in extortion and illegal occupation activities, creating fear and anxiety among business owners and residents. The allegations extend beyond markets into the transport sector as well. Multiple sources claim that regular extortion money is being collected from various southbound transport operators, including Imad Paribahan, Golden Line, Ilish, Dola, Prochesta, Mohanagar, Ananda, Mawa Express, Tahsin Enterprise, Swadhin Enterprise, Nobokoli Express, Tungipara Express, Bosumoti Transport Limited, and Gangchil Express. It is alleged that a network of Mamun’s close associates is actively involved in collecting these funds. Sources also claim that Mamun has occupied several businesses and residential properties. Allegedly, he took ownership of a shop worth nearly Tk 10 million in exchange for taking control of Al Hayat Mansion Market located at 14/1 Kazi Abdul Hamid Lane in Fulbaria. Similarly, locals claim that Tuku Tower Market in Siddique Bazar is also under his control. On August 8, 2024, just three days after the fall of the Awami League government, armed men allegedly arrived at the construction site demanding extortion money and forcibly attempted to obtain signatures on non-judicial stamp papers. During the incident, Shubho Basak reportedly lost consciousness due to panic, while the attackers allegedly took Tk 107,000 in cash and a gold chain weighing approximately two bhori. Minority community members later organized human chains and protest programs demanding justice, but Mamun allegedly remained beyond the reach of law enforcement. Locals claim that Mamun’s rise began after the murder of former Jubo Dal leader and Dhaka South City Corporation Ward No. 70 councillor (currently Ward No. 34), Haji Ahmad Hossain, in 2010. Before that, Mamun allegedly operated as one of Ahmad’s associates in the criminal underworld. Residents allege that no one dared to file complaints against him due to fear, and those who attempted to protest were allegedly threatened through mob intimidation. Recently, journalist Riaz Ahmed of the daily Lal Sobujer Desh and the fortnightly Aparadh Jagat magazine, who also serves as Welfare Secretary of the Dhaka Metropolitan branch of the Bangladesh Mofossol Journalists Union, reportedly received threats after publishing reports based on local allegations against Mamun. In response, Mamun allegedly filed a General Diary (GD) against the journalist at Banshal Police Station under GD No. 1248 dated April 23, 2026, which critics described as fabricated. Allegations also suggest that social media propaganda and misinformation campaigns were carried out using hired individuals in an attempt to discredit the journalist and divert attention from the accusations. A press conference was also allegedly organized to cover up the allegations. Locals further claim that Mamun is damaging the image of both the current BNP-led government and the party by using his political influence. They are demanding a proper investigation into the allegations and appropriate legal action if the accusations are proven true. They also noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has declared a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and extortion and pledged to implement it. Residents believe that party leaders should investigate such allegations thoroughly to protect the party’s reputation in the capital.