Two brothers control Bogra crime world

Two brothers are allegedly in control of the crime world in Bogra, a district in northern Bangladesh.

Tufan Sarker and his elder brother Matin Sarker allegedly indulge in various crimes, including drug peddling, murder, extortion, and land grabbing.

Matin was sentenced to 27 years' imprisonment, but the verdict was stayed by the High Court.

Through various illegal means, he became a millionaire almost overnight.

Matin Sarker is now general secretary of the District Truck Owners Association and also joint general secretary of Bogra town Jubo League, a front organisation of ruling Awami League.

Local residents in Bogra said no one can talk openly about these two brothers. They control all illegal drug trade in the district.

The Member of Parliament in Bogra constituency-1 (Sonatola-Sariakandi) and former organising secretary of central Awami League Abdul Mannan said the party will not take responsibility of those who carry out such heinous activities in the name of the party.

According to law enforcment agencies, Matin Sarker is the second of eight sons of Mujibur Rahman from Chaksutrapur Kosaipara of Bogra town, while Tufan is the youngest. Their father used to sell meat.

None of his sons completed school, but now all of them are involved in Awami League politics.

Tufan

The 25-year-old Tufan got involved in tannery business with a small amount of capital. He entered politics thanks to his brother Matin Sarker when Awami League came to power in 2009.

The two brothers have now unleashed rampant crimes in Bogra.

Three months ago a stationery shop in Talukdar market, near Bogra sadar police station, was forcefully taken over. A sign was erected in front of the shop, with the words, 'contact in case of any problem'. Tufan Sarker’s name and phone number was given.

The owner could not protest and later sold his shop for a very low price. Now the victim does not want to talk about it.

A number of victims of various crimes said, Tufan and his accomplices collect Tk 50 from each CNG-run auto rickshaw, Tk 60 from battery-run Easybikes and Tk 20 from battery-run rickshaws and vans. Each owner of rickshaw and van has to deposit Tk 1800 to become a member of the owners' association.

He also collects Tk 200 as toll at night from every bus, truck and coach coming from different districts at Satmatha, Charmatha, Tinmatha and Matidhali intersections of Bogra town.

His accomplices also collected toll in broad daylight at Charmatha outskirts of the town after forcefully halting various vehicles.

There are allegations that a certain amount of the money goes to a section of the police, political leaders, labour leaders and middlemen.

Sramik League Bogra unit president Rafiqul Islam said, "I am ashamed of his heinous crimes. I am helpless despite knowing his crimes as he has the blessings of several influential leaders."

Speaking to Prothom Alo, superintendent of police in Bogra Asaduzzaman said Tufan’s toll collection from auto rickshaws has been stopped. Tufan has been arrested after the allegations of raping a teenage girl.

"We will take legal actions if we find any proof of other crimes," he added.

On 4 April 2012 police arrested Tufan in possession of the drugs yaba and phensidyl. Later, he was released on bail. On 20 July, Tufan and his three brothers, Jhumur, Omar and Shohagh were arrested in a case filed for an attempt to murder. They did not have to stay long in jail this time as well.

Additional SP of Bogra Arifur Rahman Mandal said there are six cases against Tufan. The cases include raping of teenage girl, murder and drug peddling.

In 2015, police arrested Tufan Sarker with several hundred phensidyl bottles from his house. He was also accused of killing Jubo Dal leader Imran in 2013. The victim's mother then alleged that Tufan and his brothers were behind the killing. Now Imran's mother does not want to talk.

Tufan and his wife posses two cars. They have an under-construction five-storey building at Chaksutrapur tannery godown area of the town.

They have two flats in the posh areas of Bogra and Dhaka.

He launched a business 'Turjo Sanitary Store', investing about Tk 1 crore (Tk 10 million) at Chakjadu Lane of the town. District AL unit president Mamtaz Uddin inaugurated the store.

Mamtaz said, "I was the president of the chamber. So I can inaugurate a business."

Organising secretary of Bogra district unit of AL AKM Asadur Rahman said those who gave party posts to men like Tufan, were equally responsible for raping and torturing the teenage girl.

Matin Sarker

On 24 August 2012, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Jubo League leader Matin Sarker from his office at tannery godown lane and seized phensidyl, beer, heroin, knives, and Tk 10 lakh (Tk 1 million). Jubo League demonstrated in Bogra town the following day, demanding removal of the RAB commander.

At that time, police said Matin was a top terror. There are six cases against him in Sadar police station. He was sentenced to 27 years' jail in an arms case in 2001.

Police officials said, Golam Rasul was murdered at Nurani intersection on 18 June in 1998. Munshi, who was close to Matin, was murdered over internal clashes at Chaksutrapur in 2001.

Matin was the prime accused in the murder of Juba Dal leader Imran on 2 December 2012. Police ultimately did not indict him.

Locals said district AL joint secretary general Manjurul Alam brought Matin into politics, but now the former does not back Matin.

Matin is now close to district AL president Mamtaz Uddin.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Mamtaz Uddin said, "Investigate who brought Matin into politics."

Prothom Alo correspondent visited the residence of Matin at Chamrapatti on Monday.

However, he was unwilling to talk to the media.

*This report originally published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam.