As part of the ongoing crackdown on casinos, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has detained Tarequzzaman Rajib, a DNCC ward councillor, in Dhaka.
Rajib, who went into hiding since the crackdown on casinos began in Dhaka, was detained from a house at Bashundhara Residential Area in Dhaka Saturday (Oct 19), RAB Legal and Media Wing Director Lt Col Md Sarwar-Bin-Quasem confirms Bangla Tribune.
He is the ward Councilor of ward 33 of the Dhaka North City Corporation.
Rajib, who allegedly made a huge amount of money illegally since he became the councillor, had been underground since October 12, sources said.
Currently the Jubo League's Dhaka Metropolitan (North) unit joint secretary general, Rajib had remained absent from his office, his residence in Mohammadpur, and from the local political offices since then.
THE SULTAN OF MOHAMMADPUR
Rajib became a ward councilor in 2015 during the DNCC polls as a rival candidate after failing to get party ticket.
He, previously a joint convener of Jubo League's Mohammadpur unit, was suspended after his followers beat a local freedom fighter. However, the order was later withdrawn.
Although Rajib does not have any known source of income except the Tk 36,000 as his monthly remuneration as a ward councilor, he owns several houses, lands, and luxury vehicles.
Whenever Rajib travels from one place, a number of his cadres always moves with him.
Son of Tota Mia Hawlader, a construction worker, Rajib developed his own gang over time.
There are widespread allegations against the self announced "Janatar Commissioner" of extortion, land grabbing, tender manipulation, and controlling local gangs.
Just six years ago, Rajib started living in Mohammadpur in a rented a house of Tk 6,000 per month with his wife. Now, he owns a duplex house in Mohammadia Housing Society. It has been alleged that Rajib spent Tk 60 million to build the house on a five-katha plot.
Within this time, he started riding luxurious vehicles like Mercedes, BMW, and land cruiser though he only had a motorcycle six years ago.
CRACKDOWN ON CASINOS
Since Sept 18, RAB and police have raided different clubs across Bangladesh, busting illegal casinos. A number of people, including Jubo league leaders, were detained and then showed arrested after the raids.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on recent occasions repeatedly said the anti-graft drive will continue.
Meanwhile, many leaders of ruling party and its affiliated bodies have been arrested in the last one month.
The list includes expelled Dhaka South Jubo League President Ismail Chowdhury Samrat, his accomplice Arman, expelled organising secretary of Jubo League's Dhaka south unit Khalid Mahmud, Kalabagan Krira Chakra President and ex-Krishak League leader Shafiqul Alam Firoz, Jubo League leader and businessman GK Shamim, Mohammedan’s Director-in-Charge Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan.
Councillor of Ward No-32 of DNCC Habibur Rahman Mizan was earlier arrested and charged under arms and money-laundering acts.