Photo : Messenger
A perplexing situation has emerged regarding the ownership of a seven-storey house situated in a four-and-a-half katha plot, once belonging to the former Customs Superintendent of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bazlur Rahman Khandkar. The residence, identified as house number 82/1/A on Madrasa Road, North Jatrabari, positioned on the north side of the Jatrabari intersection in Ward No. 48 of the Dhaka South City Corporation, still prominently displays the holding plate bearing the name of his wife, Asma Khandkar.
Upon close examination, it was discovered that the holding plate in front of the house continues to bear the name of Asma Khandkar, despite claims by the former customs official that he had sold the property a considerable time ago. Intriguingly, Bazlur Rahman Khandkar has chosen to remain tight-lipped about the identity of the buyer to whom he allegedly transferred ownership.
Rumors suggest that Bazlur Rahman Khandkar possesses three apartments in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, specifically in the vicinity of Concord, opposite the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to speculation, Bazlur Rahman Khandkar, along with his wife, currently resides in one of these flats with his wife. Additionally, it is rumored that his two sons occupy separate residences within the same.
Reports suggest that Bazlur Rahman Khandkar's son, Setu, purportedly owns an office space in Segunbagicha Eastern Mansion in Dhaka, where he conducts his business activities. Allegedly, Setu is engaged in a business venture based in that office. Additionally, it is rumored that Bazlur Rahman Khandkar has bought a property in Narayanganj area with the intention of establishing a community center.
In Signboard area of Narayanganj, there is a business of paint import-export business of Bazlur’s son Shanta Notably.
Bazlur initiated a business named Asha Packaging in the Konapara area of Matuail around 2007 or 2008. Additionally, it has been reported that there is a chemical godown affiliated with him located behind the Sikdar filling station on the Dhaka-Narayanganj Road. Bazlur's father-in-law's residence is situated in Matuail.
It is purported that Bazlur undertook the construction of an opulent two-storey building at the Khandkar family residence in Babla village, located within the jurisdiction of the Belabo police station in the Narsingdi district. The village, where the Khandkar family originates, is said to possess extensive land along with a pond, contributing to its picturesque surroundings.
In addition to the construction of the residential building, there are reports suggesting that Bazlur constructed Khandaka Bari Jame Masjid by filling up a water body (beel).
Bazlur retired from his position as Customs Superintendent in 2014. According to information gathered on November 10, during a visit to Jatrabari, the former caretaker of the customs superintendent's house revealed that Khandkar himself had purchased the land and constructed the house approximately 40-45 years ago. The house, situated in Jatrabari and covering an area of about four and a half katha, was reportedly Khandkar's residence, where he occupied the entire second-floor flat.
The caretaker further claimed that Khandkar sold the house without public notification for a sum of Rs 4.5 crore, purportedly out of concern for avoiding commission fees. The current owner, identified as Haji Noor Uddin, allegedly bought the property from the undisclosed buyer for a price of Tk 6.5 crore.
Additionally, it is mentioned that Bazlur has reportedly sold another house in the Kajla area.
According to the information, Bazlur Rahman Khandkar reportedly owns three flats in Segunbagicha Concord. Among these, he resides in one of the flats, and his two sons live in separate houses within the same building. Additionally, it is mentioned that Khandkar purchased a flat for his daughter, located on the 9th floor of another nearby building.
In response to a complaint reported on November 13, Bazlur acknowledged having a flat in Concord, clarifying that he currently resides in one of them. He expressed frustration with the allegations, stating that much has been made of the accusations and emphasised that he hasn't gained anything illicitly. Furthermore, Khandkar highlighted his residence's proximity to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), suggesting that the Director-General of ACC chose him for his current living arrangements.
In response to inquiries about the seven-storey house on the north side of Jatrabari intersection, Bazlur Rahman seemed dismissive, stating, "They are nothing. You investigate." During a site visit on November 10, despite the holding nameplate still bearing his wife's name, he maintained that the property had been sold a long time ago.
When pressed about the buyer's identity, Khandkar directed further investigation to the property itself, suggesting that inquiries should be made on-site.
Bazlur Rahman responded to inquiries about the chemical godown by urging further investigation and stating, "I told you to check everything first. Investigate. Give me one day."
Regarding the information shared by the previous caretaker about the three flats in Segunbagicha Concord, Khandkar disputed its accuracy, claiming that it was incorrect.
However, it's worth noting that attempts to contact Bazlur Rahman Khandkar on November 15 and 16 were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to the calls.
The current caretaker of the seven-storey house, Al Amin, provided information suggesting that the current owner, Haji Noor Uddin, did not purchase the property directly from Bazlur Rahman Khandkar. Instead, Al Amin claimed that Haji Noor Uddin acquired the house from another owner, not directly from Bazlur Rahman Khandkar.
On November 10, when Haji Noor Uddin was contacted and asked about the house's ownership, he asserted that he did not buy it from Bazlur Rahman Khandkar. However, he did not disclose from whom he made the purchase, stating that he would provide further information at a later time.
In response to inquiries about why the holding plate still bears the name of Asma Khandkar, Haji Noor Uddin mentioned that it was under process.
The attempts to contact Bazlur Rahman Khandkar on November 15 and 16 were reportedly unsuccessful, as he did not receive the calls. This lack of communication adds to the complexity of the situation and raises questions about the availability of information regarding the properties in question.
It is mentioned that Haji Noor Uddin, the purported current owner of the seven-storey house, is rumored to own another house on Shahid Farooq Road in the West Jatrabari area.
When questioned about the ownership of the house, Abul Kalam, Ward Councilor No. 48 of Dhaka South City Corporation, expressed a willingness to provide information, stating, "I can tell about the news."
Messenger/Fameema
