Photo : Collected
When discussing Gulshan-Banani zone, the term "Elegant (Abhijat)" often precedes it, particularly from Police Plaza adjacent to Hatirjheel extending towards the United Hospital in Gulshan-2 and beyond Kakoli.
Situated on the east side of the highway, this area encompasses a variety of business establishments, including high-rise buildings and offices of multinational companies, along with residential structures.
Commonly referred to as the Diplomatic Zone, this locale is synonymous with a mission focused on ensuring a secure environment.
The expression "The nearer the church, the further from God" is apt when describing Gulshan Banani and Baridhara. The bustling cityscape with its illuminated lights often obscures the view of activities transpiring on one side. Many individuals, preoccupied with their own affairs, may intentionally turn a blind eye to what is transpiring in this part of the city.
Regrettably, a network of unethical activities is thriving in the shadows, facilitated by the rental of hotels, rest houses, guest houses, and residential buildings. Despite the ongoing efforts of law and order forces to curb such activities, the Gulshan Division police seem occupied with observing rather than intervening.
These unethical practices persist throughout the day until midnight, posing a safety concern for the area. There exists a group engaged in illicit activities such as liquor, gambling, and illegal trades, with some individuals reaping substantial profits. Moreover, there are victims of blackmail who have fallen prey to these events. Despite the fear of compromising their dignity, those subjected to blackmail have come to realise the predicament.
In light of these circumstances, there is a growing sentiment in favor of the elegant taking decisive action to remove these elements from the area, even if complaints are not lodged officially. This reflects a collective desire to restore safety and ethical standards in the Gulshan Banani vicinity.
DMP Joint Commissioner Biplab Kumar Sarkar, told The Daily Messenger, emphasising, "We have never tolerated and will not tolerate such acts. Immediate directives will be issued to the Gulshan Division of Police to take swift action in addressing this matter.
Gulshan, Banani, renowned as an elite area with residents ranging from diplomatic figures to affluent individuals, presents an outwardly normal appearance. However, beneath the surface, a significant syndicate of unethical activities has flourished in the vicinity. This prohibited business is reportedly conducted openly, involving the rental of houses and even commercial buildings, and has been described as a poison affecting the elite.
Recent developments include the submission of a written complaint to the Dhaka Police Commissioner, urging the closure of these illicit operations.
Ground investigations reveal that spa centers have been established under the guise of several salons and massage parlors in Gulshan. Allegations suggest that these centers are operated by a women's gang and drug dealers, with the establishments' owners claiming association with prominent and influential individuals in society.
Disturbingly, individuals impersonating political party members and others posing as senior administration officials from Gopalganj are reportedly engaging in various criminal activities, including immoral practices, under the cover of salons and massage parlors. Moreover, there are accusations that certain corrupt police officers are aiding and abetting these activities in exchange for financial gain.
In the salons and massage parlors, brokers persistently entice school, college and varsity students to the spa centers to recruit them. Some individuals engage in these immoral activities due to economic hardships. Disturbingly, it is reported that the owners or brokers of these establishments lure women from villages, subjecting them to immoral work through blackmail.
Despite Gulshan's status as a diplomatic zone, illegal activities thrive around these establishments. DJ parties featuring beautiful women with the presence of drugs, as well as flesh trade under the guise of salons, contribute to a regular occurrence of various crimes. Among those involved in this prohibited business is a young woman named Hasi, recognised as part of Gulshan's notorious lady gang engaged in unethical activities. This network includes individuals such as Eva, Sumona, Ratna, Quddus, and Bahar, operating under Hasi's influence.
Similarly, Banani has its own lady gangs, known by names like Pakhi, Meghla, Milan, Shahid, and Nurul Islam. Both commercial and residential buildings are reportedly rented for engaging in prohibited business activities. Additionally, certain two-star hotels, rest houses, and guest houses are alleged to conduct unethical business under various names.
It has come to light that an illegal establishment was operating in Awal Tower in Banani under the ownership of Nur Islam. In 2022, a murder occurred in the vicinity of that establishment, and Nur Islam was identified as the main accused in the case. The incident was kept under wraps for an extended period.
Further complicating matters, in December 2022, two cases were filed against the unscrupulous businessman Quddus under the Human Trafficking Act at Gulshan police station. Despite legal actions taken against individuals like Quddus, the prohibited business activities persist, indicating a need for more robust measures to curb these illicit operations.
The local residents recently lodged complaints with the DMP Police Commissioner, urging the closure of unethical businesses in the area.
Despite these concerns being brought to the attention of the authorities, there appears to be a lack of action from the Gulshan Division police department, raising questions about the reasons behind this inaction.
Yahya Sarkar, a local resident, expressed the community's embarrassment over the ongoing unethical activities. The residents find it distressing that these activities are taking place so openly, seemingly without any intervention or resolution.
The concerns raised by local residents regarding the emergence of drunkards in these establishments late at night are troubling. The convergence of prohibited businesses and late-night alcohol and gambling parties has evidently become a source of frustration for the common people in the community.
The issue has drawn the attention of senior police officers. Banani Police Station OC Mostafizur Rahman, in response to the complaints, has expressed a commitment to taking action.
Banani Police Station OC Mostafizur Rahman told Messenger, “Someone can do these things inconspicuously. I will take action.”
Messenger/Fameema
