Jamaat-Shibir accused of market grabbing in Gulistan

Shop owners and traders at a market in Gulistan, Dhaka, have accused activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir of "occupation and extortion." A section of traders at Fulbaria Super Market-2 held a press conference on Monday, July 6, to raise the allegations.

The market, known as 'Nagar Plaza', is owned by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The press conference was organised under the banner of 'Fulbaria Super Market-2 Shop Owners and Traders' on the ground floor of the market.

Kamruzzaman alleged that after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, the market association's then-president left the area. "A group led by Md Sumon (Ali Hasan Sumon), Awal, Faruk and Hanif Bachchu then took control of the association in the name of Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists," he claimed.

He alleged that the group has been involved in extortion, illegal construction of shops, eviction of shop owners, setting up shops in front of permanent shops and on footpaths, collecting money in the name of lift repairs, and charging excessive electricity and WASA bills.

Kamruzzaman claimed that approximately Tk 40 lakh in electricity bills, Tk 28 lakh in WASA bills and Tk 30 lakh collected in the name of lift repairs had been embezzled. "They are creating instability in the market and carrying out political activities, trying to obstruct government functions," he added.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-backed traders held a protest march on Sunday over allegations of extortion and occupation in Fulbaria. Police said the march led to a chasing and counter-chasing incident between Jamaat activists and BNP leaders and activists in the evening.

Regarding Sunday's incident, Kamruzzaman said, "They brought people on rickshaws in the name of a peace march and distributed hockey sticks." He questioned, "Why is there an attempt to destabilise the business environment in Gulistan by supporting self-proclaimed occupiers and extortionists?"

In response to a question, shop owner Siddique Hawlader said there is no occupation or extortion by BNP or its associate bodies in Fulbaria Super Market-2.

The press conference also protested against recent reports involving ward no 34 councillor Md Mamun and local BNP leaders.

Among those accused, Ali Hasan Sumon is a Rukun of Jamaat-e-Islami. There is also a Jamaat committee centred on Fulbaria Market, where he serves as Ameer.

When asked about the allegations of extortion and embezzlement, Sumon said, "We will hold another press conference in response to this one. Details will be presented there."

Among the shop owners and traders present at the press conference were Md Kibria Sadhin, Md Kabir Hossain, Md Mahbubur Rahman and Md Kausar.