Salman Fazlur Rahman, leader of BEXIMCO Group and former private sector advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is reportedly continuing to conspire against the country despite being locked up. Sources claim that Salman remains in contact with several Awami League leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India, using his mobile phone. Allegedly, his mobile device has internet access, allowing him to communicate with ease, despite prison authorities maintaining that mobile phone usage is prohibited and jammers are installed where he is held.
Salman went into hiding after Sheikh Hasina fled to India following the student uprising on August 5. He was eventually arrested on August 13 in the capital’s Sadarghat, along with former Law Minister Anisul Haque. He was later charged in a murder case at New Market police station.
Following his arrest, Salman was placed under police remand for questioning. After being sent to prison, he was granted a division, allowing him more privileges than regular inmates. As part of his division, he has access to amenities such as chairs, tables, and cots—facilities not available to non-privileged prisoners.
Sources claim that Despite being in prison,he continues to communicate with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, conspiring against the country.
In response to these allegations, IG Prisons Brigadier General Syed Mohammad Motaher Hossain stated, "Prisoners are not allowed to talk on the phone. However, I will look into the information you've provided."
He further clarified, "In the zone where Salman is held, mobile phones are strictly prohibited. Prisoners are thoroughly checked when being transferred to and from court. Additionally, jammers are installed where he is kept."
Former DIG Prisons and prison analyst Major (retd) Shamsul Haider Siddique explained to the media that prisoners sometimes gain access to mobile phones through corrupt prison staff. "If a guard is paid 20 to 30 thousand taka for allowing phone access, it can be a significant sum for them. For influential prisoners, this is a small price to pay," Siddique said. He stressed the need for increased surveillance, suggesting that influential prisoners should be moved to different cells regularly to prevent such incidents. "If any guards are caught, strict legal action must be taken against them," he added.
In July 2021, it was reported that Rafiqul Amin, managing director of Destiny, conducted a Zoom meeting via mobile phone while incarcerated. Following complaints about this breach, disciplinary action was taken against eight prison officials, including the chief jailer at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) prison cell. Amin had been held at the BSMMU prison cell for two months, citing a diabetes-related illness. Despite his confinement, he continued to run his business activities, and a video later surfaced showing the Zoom meeting.
In January 2022, prison authorities received intelligence that Nur Hossain, an accused in the notorious Narayanganj seven-murder case, was using a mobile phone in his solitary cell at Kashimpur Central Jail-2. After conducting raids, the authorities recovered the mobile phone and subsequently formed a three-member investigation committee to look into the matter.
Prison sources state that not only are prison guards but also prison officials strictly prohibited from using mobile phones within prison. Routine searches are conducted to detect mobile phones and contraband, including at entry points. However, mobile phones continue to make their way into the hands of prisoners.
A prison official explained that mobile phones often enter prisons through corrupt officials, enticed by large sums of money. In some cases, prison staff have even turned off jammers to allow prisoners access to phones.
Sources report that while the new IG Prisons has implemented stricter regulations at the Central Jails, some corrupt officials and guards continue their illicit activities. A prison official, speaking anonymously, claimed that certain officials at Dhaka Central Jail are involved in illegal trade, profiting from unethical dealings with MPs and ministers, all while keeping the IG Prisons unaware of their actions.
In a separate development, on September 18, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) announced that 17 cases had been filed against 28 individuals, including Salman F. Rahman, for allegedly smuggling around Tk 1,000 crore (approximately 83 million USD) abroad under the guise of export trade. CID investigations, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, have uncovered preliminary evidence linking Salman , the founder vice chairman of BEXIMCO Group, and his brother, ASF Rahman, chairman of BEXIMCO Group, to money laundering activities.
Source: Daily Kaler Kantho
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
