Despite his support for last year’s anti-discrimination student movement, one of the country’s most prominent jewellery businessmen Dilip Kumar Agarwala has been in prison for nearly 10 months following what many claim to be a false and politically motivated case.
This incident reflects a growing concern among business circles, where influential entrepreneurs like Dilip are increasingly being targeted with fabricated allegations and lawsuits. Such harassment is causing serious threats to businesses across the country.
Dilip Agarwala, a long-serving general secretary of the Bangladesh Jewellers Association, has made significant contributions to the national economy, including helping shape the country’s gold trading regulations. Beyond business, he has consistently stood by people in times of national crises. Through the Tara Foundation, established in his mother’s name, Dilip has contributed for years to educational, healthcare, and socio-economic development in Chuadanga, Kushtia, and Meherpur.
The foundation has initiated a range of charitable projects: tuition fee waivers, building science labs, housing for the underprivileged, mid-day meals, and free ambulance services.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dilip personally distributed masks, PPE, sanitiser, and financial aid in Dhaka, Chuadanga, Kushtia, and Meherpur.
But Dilip is not alone. Like him, hundreds of businesspeople across the country are facing what appear to be orchestrated false cases designed to disrupt their operations. These lawsuits are crippling the business climate. Some entrepreneurs have even been driven to financial ruin.
According to reports, Dilip, owner of Diamond World, was arrested from his Gulshan office on the night of 3 September last year by law enforcement officials. Since then, he has remained behind bars.
Employees of Diamond World assert that Dilip had been a vocal supporter of the anti-discrimination student movement and that he was never involved in any wrongdoing. “But his name was intentionally added to multiple murder cases related to the movement to settle business rivalries and personal vendettas. In most cases, they claim his name was added without the plaintiff’s knowledge.”
Employees further testified that under his instruction, the company provided food, water, and umbrellas to students participating in the movement – clear evidence of his support. Yet, several cases have since been filed against him at various police stations in Dhaka.
This situation is not isolated. Many other entrepreneurs are reportedly facing jail time and fines over similarly baseless accusations. Their businesses are suffering. Employees are losing their jobs.
Dilip, in particular, has been dealing with chronic health issues – including high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney complications – for over three years. He has received regular treatment both in Bangladesh and abroad. Recently, his health has taken a serious turn while in prison, with new complications emerging, necessitating urgent medical attention.
Despite repeated bail applications, the court has shown no willingness to grant release. This has deeply concerned his family, employees, and the wider business community.
People close to Dilip note that he is a highly respected businessman, having been named a commercially important person (CIP) five times and recognised as the top taxpayer from the Khulna division for nine consecutive years. His businesses consistently pay their dues and contribute to the national economy.
Those working under him state that the organisations he runs are impossible to manage without his direct involvement. When he previously fell seriously ill in prison, the court did order his treatment in a specialised hospital. However, before treatment was completed, he was returned to prison, worsening his health.
With his condition now critical, his family and employees are urging the authorities to recognise the gravity of his illness and the importance of his role in the national economy. They are appealing for the government to drop the false charges and to ensure his immediate release on bail.
Courtesy: Daily Sun.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
