Photo : Collected
Illicit activities such as alcohol consumption, gambling, and anti-social behavior are clandestinely occurring within club rest houses located in Gulshan, Banani, and Uttara, renowned as tourist hubs of the capital. Despite being considered adventure spots, these areas have become venues for covert gambling events and other forms of entertainment, often facilitated by the rest houses. Shockingly, there are reports of a mini brothel being established behind one of these rest houses.
Disturbingly, individuals of all ages, including students from schools and colleges, perceive these shelters as safe havens. However, they are unaware of the dangers lurking within. These establishments are also exploiting vulnerable individuals by blackmailing them and extorting money, further victimising the common people.
Despite being aware of these nefarious activities, the authorities appear to turn a blind eye to the situation. Despite two raids, the illicit activities continue unabated, indicating a lack of effective action from the administration to address the issue.
In a recent incident, the police conducted a raid on Gulshan's Kingfisher Bar for reportedly hosting DJ parties without proper authorisation. Despite assurances from the DJ to cease the parties, they have resumed once more.
Reports from reliable sources indicate that the ambiance of the expedition areas undergoes a significant transformation as night descends, mirroring the bustling activity seen during the day. However, instead of legitimate activities, the streets are filled with cars engaged in reckless speeding, resembling urgent tasks but veering toward clubhouses or rest houses. It is within these establishments that illicit activities are rampant, contributing to the deterioration of law and order in the area.
The operation of several clubs in Gulshan-2, including the Capital Club, has come under scrutiny due to numerous complaints regarding the unauthorised sale of alcohol. Despite a raid conducted by RAB-1 resulting in the recovery of a significant amount of liquor and beer, the illicit activity persisted after a brief hiatus. Similarly, the All Community Club (ACCL), intended for the recreational enjoyment of individuals from all professions, has also been implicated in similar allegations. Instead of fostering genuine recreation, these clubs have been observed hosting large-scale wine parties, with alcohol openly sold.
This pattern extends to other clubs like Cornea Club, Lake View, Lake Diploma, Fu-Wang, Korean Club, and KNB. Behind the façade of these clubs lies a culture of misconduct, where the sale of alcohol occurs openly despite lacking proper authorisation. Notably, individuals ranging from school and college students to people of all ages have been witnessed frequenting these establishments.
The concerning aspect is the blatant disregard for regulations regarding the sale of alcohol, raising questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms. It is evident that these clubs are not adhering to the intended purpose of providing recreational spaces but rather facilitating illicit activities that undermine public safety and order
The list provided by the Narcotics Control Department highlights a concerning trend of hotels and restaurants engaging in the illegal sale of foreign liquor and beer without proper authorisation. Among the establishments implicated are Spaghetti Jazz at Plot No. 3 Gulshan No. 2 Circle, Steak House at House No. 8 on Road No. 53, Khazana at House No. 55 on Road No. 9, Olive Garden on Road No. 37, Heritage Restaurant on Road No. 10, Sakura Golden Rice Restaurant on Road No. 15/B, Coffee Mango on Road No. 71, Exit Lounge, Samdad Ltd. on Road No. 27, Cafe Arabian on Road No. 71, Flambey at House No. 6 on Road No. 50, D Jang Jim Restaurant on Road No. 50, The Castle Restaurant, Off Track, Sprit Fire at House No. 8 on Gulshan North Avenue, Thai Restaurant Sey-71 on Road No. 71, Koffi Vega on Road No. 68, Capital Club at House No. 12 on Road No. 71, International Club on Road No. 83, Hotel Washington in Gulshan, Hotel Rosehood, Jaica Restaurant, Ifiz on 13 Gulshan Avenue, Food Village on 33 Gulshan Avenue, Top Kafi on Gulshan 134, Khushbu Restaurant at No. 60/B of 1, X Lounge at House No. 43 in Gulshan-1, Me Lounge on Banani No. 23 Road, Floor Six in Banani, Shanghai, Algira, Hookah Lounge, Mint Restaurant on Banani No. 11 Road, Rock Restaurant, Do Me OK Restaurant, Peng Yang Restaurant, Sura Restaurant on Road No. 43 in Gulshan-2, Sura On on Road No. 71, New King's Kitchen, Zakaria, Dimple, Pimple, and Koreana Restaurant.
Mehedi Hasan, the deputy director of the Narcotics Control Department, informed The Daily Messenger that hotel and restaurant owners implicated in the illegal sale of liquor and beer were summoned by the department and instructed to cease such activities immediately. They were further directed to prominently display notices in public areas of their establishments declaring that liquor and beer sales were prohibited. Additionally, Hasan stated that cases have been filed against several hotels and restaurants for their involvement in the illicit sale of alcohol. These actions signify a proactive approach by the authorities to address the issue and uphold the law regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages.
The High Court has issued a directive to take immediate action within 48 hours to halt the sale and purchase of liquor, beer, and alcohol without proper licensing in the Gulshan-Banani area of the capital. Justices Salma Masud Chowdhury and Md. Khasruzzaman of the High Court bench issued this order, signaling a swift response to address the issue of illegal alcohol sales in the specified locality. This move underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding regulations and maintaining law and order in the area.
Gulshan Division Deputy Commissioner Shamim Rifat informed The Daily Messenger, stating, "We are making ongoing efforts to combat drug-related issues." He emphasised that their endeavors include conducting regular expeditions and implementing measures to control drug-related activities.
Messenger/Fameema
