Gold smuggling in Chittagong and adjacent areas is controlled by several syndicates stationed at the port city’s Riazuddin Bazar, police said.
They claimed to have uncovered the information during an initial investigation after recovering 29kg gold, worth around Tk12.5 crore, and Tk60 lakh from Bahar Market on Monday night.
Police said one Abu Ahmed had rented out the rooms at Bahar Market, under Riazuddin Bazar, as warehouse and prima facie evidence suggested that he ran a gold smuggling syndicate. Kotwali police station’s Officer-in-Charge Jasim Uddin said a case had been filed over the seizure.
“We have custody of gold and money as DB is yet to complete formalities to hand over them to the central bank,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.
About 10,000 traders run businesses at 117 markets in Riazuddin Bazar. Police and bazar sources said the traders kept their merchandise at 170 buildings – a hotspot for gangs involved in gold smuggling, selling of drugs and stolen mobile phones.
The businessmen pointed finger at the law enforcers. “It is impossible to run illegal business without the law enforcers’ help,” said Riazuddin Bazar-Tamakundi Lane Traders’ Association general secretary Abul Hossen.
He admitted that a group of businessmen was involved in shady trades. “We are ready to help to root out these illegal traders who have tarnished our image,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.
Police sources said Abu had made quick money through gold smuggling. He reportedly owned a flat at city’s Hill View residential area.
On June 7 last year, police seized 26 gold bars and detained six persons from city’s Forest Gate area. The detainees said they had received the gold from the Hill View residential area, but could not provide details.
On June 23, Baizid police held three men with 120 gold bars. Two of the detainees worked at a shop at the Riazuddin Bazar, police said.
After Monday’s seizure, police said Abu’s arrest would make things clear.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, DB’s Deputy Commissioner Kusum Dewan said: “Police have confirmed that the gold smuggling is being controlled from Riazuddin Bazar.”
