Dhaka, Nov 12 – The Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday filed two separate cases against expelled Jubo League leader Ismail Hossain Chowdhury Samrat and his aide Enamul Haque Arman on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 2.94 crore and 2.5 crore respectively.The two separate cases have been filed against them with the graft watchdog’s coordinated district office, Dhaka-1, said ACC Deputy Director Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya.
He also said that the commission has also learnt that Samrat amassed illegal wealth worth Tk 1,000 crore in abroad.
On October 6, Rapid Action Battalion members arrested Samrat, former president of Dhaka South Jubo League, and his close aide Arman, former vice-president of the same unit, from Cumilla after raiding a house near Indian border.
On October 7, RAB 1 Deputy Assistant Director Abdul Khalek filed the two cases against Samrat for possessing illegal arms and narcotics. Arman was also accused in the narcotics case.
Samrat came under the spotlight after RAB busted his illegal casino business at different sporting clubs in Dhaka. He was expelled from the Jubo League following the arrest.
Samrat was then brought to the capital, and the elite police unit raided various establishments where the Jubo League leader either lived or carried out political and business activities.
RAB also took Samrat to his political office in Kakrail where he had been reportedly staying since the crackdown began on September 18.
A RAB mobile court, led by Executive Magistrate Sarwoer Alam, sentenced Samrat to six months’ imprisonment for possessing wild animal hides and another six months for possessing illegal liquor.
On September 24, the government imposed a travel ban against 22 graft suspect including Samrat.
The commission imposed the travel ban after getting primary evidence against the 22 about their involvement in casino business and money laundering.
On October 15, the ACC said it had detected the names of 43 people—some of them politicians and government officials—who have been making illegal wealth through illegal casino business. The commission found the involvement of some current and former politicians as well as current government officials during investigation.
According to media reports, 60 illegal casinos were operating in the capital until recently. Gambling took place regularly at the casinos situated in Segunbagicha, Motijheel, Fakirapool, Dilkusha, Bank Colony, Arambagh, Naya Paltan, Kakrail, Gulistan, Osmani Udyan, Bangabazar, Gulshan Link Road, Uttara, New Market and Kalabagan areas.
On September 18, law enforcement agencies launched drives against illegal casinos and illegal bars in the capital. Several leaders of the Awami League’s youth front, the Jubo League, and others were arrested for involvement in casino and other illegal businesses. – Staff Reporter
