Jaintapur (Sylhet) Correspondent //

Indian goods are entering safely through all the border areas of Jaintapur upazila of Sylhet. Imported garlic is being smuggled, in exchange for low-quality tea leaves, Indian cosmetics, saris-lehengas, Indian cows and buffaloes, motorcycles, banned Sheikh Nasir Uddin bidis (leaf bidis), betel nuts, liquor of various brands, mobile handsets, Indian sugar and medicines. There are various controversies about the administration’s campaign. Although the drive to show people is regular, but for mysterious reasons, these products are seized, but the smuggling members remain beyond the reach of the law. In addition, the list of top smugglers is lying on paper and in the hands of the intelligence agency. Many have now become millionaires from zero. If the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigates the illegal assets of smugglers in these areas, Raghav Boal, who has built a mountain of black money, will be exposed in a short time.

On the ground, illegal Indian goods are being smuggled safely through the areas of Naljuri, Alubagan, Mokambari, Mokampunji, Sreepur, Minatila, Adarshgram, Kendri, Kathalbari, Lambatila, Dibirhaor, Ghilatail, Phulbari, Tiprakhla, Talal, Karimtila, Goabari, Bairakhel, Horni, Jaliakhla, Kalinji, Lalakhal, Afifanagar, Abhinash and Lal Mia Tila, Jangibil, Tumair, Baghchhara, Balidara and Yangraja and Rubber Bagan in Jaintapur Upazila.

People of different ages who do not want to be named said that since the political changes in the country after August 5, Jaintapur in Sylhet has become a safe upazila for smuggling trade. In particular, smugglers are safely transporting smuggled goods from neighboring Gowainghat and Kanaighat upazilas through Jaintapur.
They also said that two people named Basindha Samad and Arman from Dhaka control Jaintapur upazila in the trade of smuggled goods. They control the entire border trade in Jaintapur upazila through two trusted people. These two people are Abdul Karim alias Bendiz Karim of Ghilatail village in Jaintapur upazila, and the other is Abdul Malik alias Abdul of Bairakhel village.
There is no farm anywhere in Jaintapur upazila in northeastern Sylhet for increasing the breeding of cows and buffaloes. Visiting various markets, it can be seen that Indian cattle have taken over the buffalo market. The area adjacent to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s gate in Jaintapur Bazar is used as its main base.

Locals said that every night, these diseased animals and other goods are entering the Jaintapur market through Caesar agreements with the local administration from across the border. Drugs, cosmetics, sugar, betel nuts, low-quality tea leaves, mobile handsets, saris-lehengas, banned Indian imports of Sheikh Nasir Uddin bidis, and medicines are entering through the nose of the upazila administration. The members of the famous lineman Samad and Arman, Bendiz Karim, Abdul and Laptin Shahid, created the opportunity for these goods to enter. In return, they collect large sums of money in the name of the administration management in a royal manner. The money they withdraw goes to various places through the hands of Samad and Arman.

Investigation revealed that Bendiz Karim, Abdul, Samad and Arman collected money in the name of Sylhet Detective Police (DB) and Border Guard (BGB). Laptin Shaheed is collecting a large amount of money by discrediting the name of Jaintapur Model Police Station. A source has confirmed that they collected money last night as well. Although news has been published against them in various online news portals including national dailies of the country, the higher authorities of the administration have not budged. Along with the BGB, the police station has always been strict with journalists in this regard. Even if they try to publish any news against this influential group, the journalists are subjected to harassment and cases of assault. They are supported by some unscrupulous BGB and police members. The top smuggling officials of the local upazila play the role of godfathers. After the recent joining of the new Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Jaintapur Model Police Station, the open secret smuggling has become a business.

When Samad was contacted to inquire about this, he called the number after knowing the identity of the journalist. Later, when Samad and Arman were contacted from different numbers, their statements could not be obtained as they did not answer the phone. When Bendiz Karim was contacted on his mobile phone, he said that he was not involved in extortion and any such matter. When Laptin Shaheed’s mobile phone was tried several times, his mobile phone was found switched off.

Meanwhile, these criminal gangs are getting away with extortion despite adopting very secretive strategies and are difficult to catch. If their call lists are checked, sensational information will come out.

When contacted, 19 and 48 BGB were informed that 19 and 48 BGB are conducting regular operations and seizing various goods worth crores of taka. Their operations are being conducted regularly. BGB has no connection with any person named Samad and Arman. The matter is being investigated.

Abul Bashar Mohammad Badruzzaman, the new officer-in-charge (OC) of Jaintapur Model Police Station, said, “After I joined Jaintapur Police Station, huge changes have been made in the police. In addition, the police are conducting regular raids. A huge amount of goods have been seized in these raids. There is no line from the police station. The police have a raid plan.” When contacted on mobile phone, the Jaintapur-Kanaighat Circle Officer said that he has no such complaint. If he receives a complaint, he will take legal action.