Barlekha-Juri (Moulvibazar) Correspondent: Barlekha police have arrested Saidul Islam (42), widely discussed and criticized for his involvement in smuggling large sums of illicit funds abroad, in connection with allegations implicating former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and various corrupt government officials. With the assistance of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Saidul was detained early Monday morning (April 21) from his residence in Sylhet Suburb area.
Later that afternoon, he was presented before the Senior Judicial Magistrate Court in Barlekha under Section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The court ordered his detention in prison. Saidul Islam is the son of late Abdul Khaleq from Gaziteka (Ailapur) area under Barlekha Municipality.
According to the police forwarding letter submitted to the court and other sources, Saidul Islam has been involved in gold smuggling, illegal hundi operations, trafficking of Indian cattle, drug trade, and other illicit activities since the tenure of the fascist Awami League government. He is alleged to have assisted former IGP Benazir Ahmed and at least 20 other corrupt officials in laundering their illegal wealth to Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. For a long time, Saidul conducted these criminal activities under the protection of influential leaders at various levels of the Awami League. Intelligence agencies have also reported that he maintains contact with fugitive Awami League leaders and is involved in various conspiracies against the current interim government. Acting on instructions from higher authorities, a team led by Barlekha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abul Kashem Sarkar arrested Saidul from his Sylhet residence early Monday morning.
The news of the arrest of Saidul Islam, a prominent figure in illegal trade, has brought relief to the locals. That afternoon, citizens from all walks of life organized a protest march and rally in Barlekha, demanding exemplary punishment for Saidul. The protest and subsequent rally were presided over by Upazila BNP Convenor Zainal Abedin and conducted by BNP leader Professor Abdus Shahid Khan. The speakers at the rally included Upazila BNP Senior Joint Convenor and former Sujanagar Union Chairman Noshir Ali, BNP Convenor Committee member and former Upazila General Secretary Mujibur Rahman Khasru, Central Organizational Secretary of Bangladesh Deed Writers Association Mir Mokhlesur Rahman, President of Barlekha Press Club Anwarul Islam, member of Municipal BNP Convenor Committee Altaf Hossain, President of Barlekha Branch of Bangladesh Primary Teachers Association Mir Muhibur Rahman, Municipal Volunteer League Member Secretary Sharif Uddin Limon, Upazila Chhatra Dal General Secretary Ariful Islam, and Abdun Noor Talukder, Central Assistant Secretary for Programs and Security Affairs of Gan Odhikar Parishad, among others.
Local residents claim Saidul was involved in various illegal businesses and crimes. Under the protection of former Minister of Environment and Forests Shahab Uddin and former Central General Secretary of Chhatra League S. M. Zakir Hossain, he amassed hundreds of crores overnight. Despite numerous lawsuits filed against him over the years, the police took no legal action. Saidul’s arrest has brought a sense of relief to the locals, who have demanded his exemplary trial.
Badrul Islam, a Dubai-based agarwood businessman from Sujanagar Union and one of Saidul’s victims, shared his ordeal with deep emotion. He said, “I had purchased three kani (approximately 1.2 acres) of land in Daser Bazar. Despite it being legally my land, Saidul demanded a ransom of 5 million BDT. When I refused, he used the administration to harass and humiliate me. Ultimately, through the mediation of former Sujanagar Union Chairman Noshir Ali, I was forced to settle with 500,000 BDT. His actions caused me immense suffering.”
Barlekha Police Station OC Md. Abul Kashem Sarkar confirmed the arrest of Saidul Islam on charges of smuggling, illegal trade, and laundering money abroad with corrupt government officials. He added that Saidul was sent to prison through the court on Monday afternoon.
