12 Lakh Deal to Save Land Grabber, Coordinator Lobbies with OC

Local Correspondent

Allegations have surfaced against two student leaders in Khulna’s Paikgachha upazila regarding a large financial transaction and political patronage to protect Minarul Islam, a terror suspect, land grabber, and accused in multiple cases, from legal consequences. At the center of the allegations are Mohammad Suman, the Paikgachha upazila organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (Baecha), and Mamun Hossain, joint convener of the Khulna district branch of the same organization and a local NCP leader.

Investigations reveal that Minarul Islam, a businessman who claims to be close to the Awami League, recently sought political protection after facing legal trouble. At this time, he contacted student leaders Suman and Mamun.

Sources indicate that the leaders initially demanded 13 lakh taka but later settled for 11 lakh 70 thousand taka. An agreement was made—they would provide political recommendations and protection to prevent legal action and harassment against him.

However, the deal was exposed after a dispute arose between the two leaders over the division of the money. An audio clip went viral on social media, recording a conversation between the two student leaders and the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Paikgachha Police Station.

Photo: From left – Idrisur Rahman (OC Investigation), Sumon (Coordinator), Minarul and Mamun (Coordinators)

Audio Analysis Reveals Attempts at Recommendations and Concealing Identity

In the leaked recording, Suman Ahmed introduces himself to the OC as “Mohammad Suman Ahmed from Paikgachha” and says:

“A businessman from Paikgachha had supported our movement. Now he is being harassed.”

The OC asks, “Are you sure about what you’re saying?” Suman replies, “I am sure.” When asked for the businessman’s name, he says, “Minarul Uncle.”

In another call, Mamun Hossain says:

“He (Minarul) is not a member of any political party. He only had business connections. Now he is being harassed.”

He further states that Minarul has joined the NCP and requests that no administrative harassment be directed at him.

BD Digest Confirms Authenticity of the Audio

After technical analysis, BD Digest has confirmed that the audio clip is not artificially manipulated and that the voices belong to Suman and Mamun. Since the audio went viral, strong criticism has emerged against NCP and student movement leaders in Paikgachha.

Local political analysts believe the incident raises questions not only about the student leaders but also about the role of the local administration and political patrons. The attempt to free a known criminal from legal cases in exchange for money exposes a deep-rooted corruption scandal.

So far, neither the NCP nor the central committee of Baecha has issued any official statement regarding the incident. However, an internal source suggests that an investigation into the matter is likely.