Khairul Islam Sajib, son of BNP Member of Parliament Azharul Islam Mannan from the Narayanganj-3 (Sonargaon-Siddhirganj) constituency, is facing a series of allegations ranging from extortion and influence over industrial businesses to control of the scrap (jhut) trade, manipulation of development project tenders, river transport extortion, and illegal sand extraction.
Detectives from the Detective Branch (DB) detained Sajib on June 21 and questioned him for nearly 12 hours before releasing him after he signed a bond. Police said he had been detained for questioning over multiple allegations.
DB Additional Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam told Dhaka Tribune that Sajib had been accused of extorting industrial establishments, controlling the scrap business, influencing government development tenders, extorting the river transport sector, and establishing a monopoly over illegal sand extraction.
"The DB is investigating these allegations. Appropriate legal action will be taken once the investigation is complete. No one has the power to buy the state or the police. The police will carry out their duties independently. Anyone attempting to obstruct the process will not be spared," he said.
Asked why Sajib had been released despite the allegations, Shafiqul said he had been released on bond pending the outcome of the investigation.
He added that police were “actively” working to curb extortion, irregularities, and corruption, emphasizing that no one, regardless of influence, would escape accountability if found to have committed crimes.
Sajib previously served as joint convener of Narayanganj District Jubo Dal. Following his detention, the organization expelled him, saying in a statement that the decision was taken over clear allegations of involvement in various irregularities.
Neither police nor the party publicly detailed the allegations. However, multiple local sources and law enforcement officials said Sajib's detention was primarily linked to allegations of extortion targeting industrial establishments in Sonargaon and Siddhirganj.
According to those sources, law enforcement detained Sajib after allegations surfaced that he had demanded a large sum of money from Meghna Group and obstructed the company's vehicles.
Responding to the allegations, MP Azharul Islam Mannan told Dhaka Tribune: "Meghna Group has occupied my land for the past 20 years. Even the home minister is aware of the matter and has spoken about it."
He described the allegations against his son as politically motivated.
"Sajib never demanded extortion money. These accusations are fabricated and false. Since the allegations were baseless, the police released him after questioning. You should investigate the matter yourselves. I believe the truth will come out," he said.
This correspondent tried calling Sajib over the phone, but he was unreachable.
When contacted, Mohammed Hasan, general manager (Public Relations) of Meghna Group of Industries, declined to comment on the matter.
Long list of allegations
According to local sources, business owners, and law enforcement officials, Sajib is accused of exercising influence over not only local BNP politics but also several illegal revenue streams. Allegations against him include extortion in industrial areas, control of the scrap business, manipulation of development project tenders, extortion in river and road transportation, and illegal sand extraction.
Industrialists and business owners in the area alleged that Sajib's influence expanded significantly after his father became an MP. They claimed he exerted pressure on factories from Kanchpur to Sonargaon, while trucks carrying industrial goods were allegedly stopped to force payments.
Local sources further alleged that groups operating around Meghna Industrial City, the Kanchpur BSCIC Industrial Estate, and Adamjee EPZ controlled the scrap business, disposal of factory waste, goods transportation, and supply contracts under Sajib's patronage.
Several industrial owners alleged that Sajib was assisted by Selim Hossain (Dipu), personal secretary to the MP; Md Jalil, welfare affairs secretary of Sonargaon Thana BNP; and former Kanchpur Union Jubo Dal joint secretary BM Dalim.
Local residents and police officials also alleged that Sajib and his associates collected money from fishing boats, sand-laden trawlers, and other vessels operating on the Meghna River through an organized network.
On June 25 last year, River Police raided several checkpoints along the Meghna River and arrested 11 people. Police said they had long been extorting fishing boats, sand-carrying trawlers, and other watercraft. Among those arrested were Ali Noor, a cousin of MP Azharul Islam and a member of Sonargaon BNP, and Hasan Bashir, a member of Pirojpur Union Swechchhasebak Dal.
Local sources also alleged that Sajib controlled the loading, unloading, and transportation of sand, stone, and other cargo at the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority landing station in Kanchpur.
They further alleged that he exercised influence over development project tenders involving the Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Foundation, the upazila administration, and other government institutions. Several contractors claimed that recipients of government contracts were often determined before tenders were officially invited.
Most recently, contractors who purchased tender documents for managing the car parking area and children's amusement center at the Bangladesh Folk Art and Craft Foundation alleged that they were unable to submit bids before the deadline.
BNP office controversy
Another controversy involving Sajib and his father centered on the Narayanganj District BNP office.
The office, inaugurated on January 10 in front of Moon Light Cinema Hall in Adamjee, displayed photographs of District BNP Convener Mamun Mahmud and four BNP MPs.
According to party sources, supporters of MP Azharul Islam removed the original signboard on June 18 and replaced it with one identifying the building as the office of the Narayanganj-3 MP. They also removed photographs of the other three MPs, leaving only Azharul Islam's portrait.
After the incident drew the attention of the party's central leadership, the original BNP signboard and photographs were restored on June 20.
Mamun Mahmud said the office had been established as the district BNP office and would continue to function as such.
Local reactions
Residents and BNP leaders in Sonargaon and Siddhirganj alleged that Sajib's influence expanded rapidly after the political changeover on August 5, 2024, and grew further after his father became an MP. They claimed he interfered in factories and businesses, intimidated rivals, and built a strong network of followers that sidelined many local BNP leaders and activists.
According to local BNP leaders, Sajib's supporters also allegedly took control of the Meghna Bridge toll plaza on the day Sheikh Hasina's government fell and collected tolls for four consecutive days.
Commenting on the issue, Narayanganj District BNP Convener Mamun Mahmud said Sajib had already been expelled from the party.
"The National Executive Committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal made this organizational decision. I understand that they conducted their own investigation before taking action," he said.
Police said the allegations against Sajib remain under investigation and that legal action will depend on the findings.
