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In their pursuit of securing nominations from the Awami League party, numerous leaders within the party have fallen victim to a group of fraudsters, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to crores of taka.
Reports reveal that these fraudsters would contact potential Awami League leaders who had purchased nomination papers from the party office, displaying a fervent determination to secure nominations at any cost. Exploiting this eagerness, the group disguised themselves as high-ranking officials from the Prime Minister's Office or even purported to be the daughter of Prime Minister Saima Wazed Putul.
According to law enforcement sources, Deepak Kumar Roy, the Thakurgaon District Awami League General Secretary, was deceived by this fraudulent gang with promises of securing a party nomination in exchange for Tk 50 lakhs. The gang skillfully used the guise of Saima Wazed Putul to convince the victim to part with money. The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police uncovered these startling details following the arrest of three members of the gang, with a total of nine fraudsters apprehended altogether.
Harunur Or Rashid, the Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Intelligence Police, disclosed, "Fraudsters have swindled crores of taka from these leaders under the pretence of offering nominations. While many victims have reported these incidents to us, several others refrained from filing complaints due to societal shame. Nonetheless, this group has illicitly acquired substantial sums of money."
He continued, "The gang members assumed various roles, masquerading as secretaries to the Prime Minister's Office, the Prime Minister's Personal Secretary, NSI officers, and even impersonating as the Prime Minister's daughter, Saima Wazed Putul."
Addressing queries, Harunur Or Rashid mentioned, "They extorted Tk 50 lakhs from Thakurgaon District Awami League General Secretary Deepak Kumar.
Following the arrests, we managed to recover Tk 24 lakh from the gang. Additionally, six individuals had previously been apprehended on similar charges of fraud."
Intelligence officials highlighted, "Nurul Hakim, Hasanul Islam Jisan, and Haroon, the main perpetrators, have multiple cases against them, with embezzlement being their primary occupation. Given the ongoing election period, the gang collected contact details of candidates from various sources, utilising diverse tactics to deceive victims into paying money in exchange for securing party nominations."
Deepak Kumar, a victim ensnared in this racket, recounted his experience to reporters, stating, "Last September, while I was in the Shahbagh area, I received a WhatsApp call. A person identifying himself as Mahmudul Hasan claimed to be the Deputy Director of the NSI. He assured me of securing a party nomination but wanted Tk 50 lakh in exchange. Subsequently, a woman, disguised as Saima Wazed Putul, the daughter of Sheikh Hasina, conversed with me."
"Believing their representations, I complied and paid Tk 50 lakhs in two equal installments. However, when the promised nomination did not materialise, I reported the incident to the Home Ministry, leading to the intervention of the DB Police, who subsequently made the arrest."
Junaid Alam Sarkar, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADC) in the Intelligence Division, highlighted, "Numerous leaders have fallen victim to deceit, entrusting money in hopes of securing nominations from the Awami League. No legitimate representative from the Prime Minister's office would solicit funds for a nomination. While this should be evident, unfortunately, many individuals fall prey to such deceitful tactics, driven by the aspiration for nominations."
"We have apprehended nine individuals to date. Each of them has coerced Awami League leaders into parting with sums ranging from Tk 30 to 50 lakhs. Some leaders have been coerced into providing even more substantial amounts. All those who have parted with money are victims of fraud," Sarkar elaborated.
He continued, emphasising a cautionary note, saying, "Our advice is to eschew the pursuit of illicit opportunities. Resist the temptation of engaging in unlawful transactions for personal gain. Conduct financial transactions through legitimate banking channels, and if you do fall victim to fraud, seek assistance from law enforcement. This proactive approach is key to safeguarding oneself from falling prey to fraudulent schemes."
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