Staff Reporter

A dominant group led by Polash, Humayun, and Sagir—associated with the Awami League and its affiliated labor wing—is reportedly controlling all aspects of life in Barguna. From extortion and land grabbing to drug trafficking and other crimes, their operations continue unchecked. This syndicate allegedly manages the district’s drug trade and has become increasingly reckless despite years of operating under the Awami League’s banner.

Even with regular joint force patrols, the gang shocked locals with an attack on the busy Mizan Tower in Barguna’s district town. On May 30 at around 8 PM, eight to nine armed men, including Kabir, Polash, and Sabuj, stormed the Madina Garments Store. The attackers brutally assaulted the shop owner, 65-year-old Abdul Haque, leaving him seriously injured. They looted approximately 250,000 BDT from the cash register and stole merchandise worth several lakhs.

When nearby residents tried to intervene, the attackers turned on them with weapons, injuring multiple people, including Rafiqul Islam, Abdul Khalek, Hiru, Siddiq, Swapan, Tarikul, and Baizid. As they fled with the stolen goods, the attackers demanded an additional ransom of five lakh taka, threatening to burn down the shop and kill its owner if their demands were not met.

Abdul Haque filed a case against the attackers with the Barguna Police Station. However, as of the latest reports, no arrests have been made. Victims have also alleged threats from the gang, pressuring them to withdraw the case.

Despite their years-long reign of terror, the authorities have failed to curb this syndicate’s activities. Leveraging political influence and bribes, the gang reportedly maintains close ties with local law enforcement, enabling them to operate with impunity.

One key figure, Sainul Islam Sagir, uses his position as the general secretary of the district bus and minibus owners’ association to run an extensive extortion racket. Beyond buses, his operatives also extract daily tolls from thousands of auto-rickshaws operating in the town and surrounding areas.

Another leader, Shahidul Islam Polash, claims to be a labor wing leader while engaging in land grabbing, extortion, and violent crimes. He is also accused of controlling a significant portion of the local drug trade and leading a group of 25-30 associates who regularly intimidate locals.

Previously, Polash was arrested for abducting and assaulting the Barguna Sadar Upazila Primary Education Officer, Arifuzzaman, over a dispute involving his wife’s job transfer. However, he was released on bail within days and has since become even more aggressive.

Victims have described how Polash and his associates seize vacant land, renting it out at exorbitant rates to businesses. Despite claiming affiliation with the district labor wing, local labor leaders have denied any connection to him.

Over the past decade, Polash has amassed significant wealth, allegedly funded by his illicit activities. Despite lacking legitimate income sources, he now owns vast assets worth crores. Kabir Hossain, aka Guru Kabir, and Humayun, other key members of the group, are said to be involved in fraudulent land dealings.

This unchecked criminal empire highlights the deep-rooted issues of corruption and lawlessness in Barguna, leaving locals helpless in the face of these ongoing atrocities.