The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has brought firearms, narcotics and money laundering charges against SM Golam Kibria Shamim, a top government-listed contractor.

Following his arrest on Friday (Sept 20), RAB put Shamim, who identifies himself as a Jubo League leader, along with his seven bodyguards in the custody of Gulshan police on Saturday (Sept 21).

"Three separate cases under the drugs, money laundering protection and firearms legislation has been started by the RAB," said Additional Deputy Commissioner Abdul Ahad of the Dhaka metro police’s Gulshan division.

Police will later produce Shamim and his seven associates in court and seek remands to interrogate them in the cases, he said.

RAB raided Shamim’s residence and office in the city’s Niketon and seized eight firearms, a huge amount of ammunition, Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) worth Tk 1.65 bullion and nearly Tk 20 million in cash, a large stash of US and Singaporean dollars and some foreign liquor, officials said. 

Seven of his armed bodyguards were also arrested.

Shamim, also known as GK Shamim, is known to be an influential contractor of the Public Works Department and other government organisations.  

Soon after his arrest, social media was flooded with photos where he is seen alongside senior Awami League leaders, ministers and former and current police and RAB officials. 

His arrest came just two days after Jubo League Dhaka (South) Organising Secretary Khaled Mahmud Bhuiyan was held from his Gulshan home for running a casino at the Fakirerpool Youngmen’s club in Dhaka.