Shamim OsmanAfter around eight years in hiding abroad, former Awami League lawmaker Shamim Osman, the once feared godfather of organised crime in Narayanganj, is getting back to 'his usual self', fear locals.
Accused in 11 cases and sentenced to over 11 years in prison in absentia, he is trying to regain the lost turf by means of terror and intimidation in the town.
With the case proceedings against him stayed by the High Court, he now moves unchallenged.
Contacted, local administration and law-enforcement officials said they can do little in this regard as an HC stay order is in force.
However, yesterday's Supreme Court (SC) ruling on ex-state minister Shahjahan Omar suggests things might change considerably.
The apex court directed the BNP leader to surrender to the trial court in the case he was tried and sentenced in absentia. Earlier, Omar obtained bail and a stay order from the HC on the case proceedings.
Observers say the same might happen to Shamim Osman who made his first public appearance since 1/11 at a rally in Narayanganj on April 17.
There, he announced, "The party [AL] won't run on government dictates, quite the contrary."
The following day, his men started making phone calls to local traders for money, said several businessmen requesting anonymity.
They said they are most probably in for conditions similar to those during the last AL government. But for fear of reprisal, they do not plan to lodge any formal complaints.
During his reign of terror in 1996-2001, the AL leader's main source of income was 'commission' from jhut (garment waste) traders in BSCIC area and Narayanganj town, said sources.
Besides, he would make huge bucks from extortion in the transport sector.
Shamim and his family fled the country after the BNP-led four-party alliance came to power in October 2001.
He returned home in 2006 only to leave again shortly before 1/11.
Despite being wanted by the Interpol, police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), he got back to the port town after the grand alliance swept to power in the December 29 general election last year.
As his moveable property was confiscated during the caretaker government, he is now living in his in-laws' house.
The former MP however denied all the allegations against him. He said, "If anyone can prove a single allegation against me, I will quit politics forever."
He said as the High Court has stayed all the cases and no court has issued arrest warrant against him, there's no bar to his movement.
Shamim also claimed the cases were filed to harass him as he has been vocal in demanding trial of the war criminals.
About his being wanted by the Interpol, he said, "It was the former BNP state minister for home who had my name put on the Interpol website.
"It's unfortunate that the website does not display any photographs of Bangabandhu's killers and the war criminals."
Bishwas Afzal Hossain, superintendent of police (SP) in Narayanganj, told The Daily Star, "Shamim Osman is no more wanted by them in any case as he has obtained stay orders from the High Court."
Citing HC orders, Lt Col Sazzad Hossain, commanding officer of Rab-11, said, "He is beyond our reach now."
Friday, April 24, 2009 12:38 AM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
The government of Sheikh Hasina rode to power on the back of its electoral pledge to change the nature of politics and governance. However, the attitude currently being shown by the present government smacks of the politics of old.
Friday, April 24, 2009 04:43 AM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
How can a country evolve and stand alongside with other respectable nations if their leaders do not learn from past mistakes.
Why do we accuse an innocent or look the other way if one is indeed guilty to serve our own personal interest.
Why do our our leaders keep on failing the proud Bangladeshis over and over again!!
Friday, April 24, 2009 05:14 AM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
The father of the fathers, that means the godfathaer. will eat all feather of the government. govt would not able to fly and would ultimately be a layman. save AL, save govt, save people..
Friday, April 24, 2009 06:07 AM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
RAB could have used a lot of bullets to evaporate this godfather within their encounter,we are unfortunate of his living.
Friday, April 24, 2009 07:43 AM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
He is not a good person.
Friday, April 24, 2009 09:29 AM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
This time I personally thought that, our PM was serious as she told about a new and changing Bangladesh.
Friday, April 24, 2009 02:49 PM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
He is the most Essential and important intellectual terrorist and will devote himself for the construction of digital Bangladesh.
Friday, April 24, 2009 01:30 PM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
It is very unfortunate that people say and write about Shamim Osman and think they have done great work.But why we all forget his good doings for the people of Narayanganj.One santance I hate about these socalled news writer that they have information that he is collecting money from businessmen than why the police is not taking action.Lastly i request you journalist to leave him alone and let him do something good for the people of Narayanganj.
Friday, April 24, 2009 10:10 AM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
He should refrain from and would not involved in the local politics and the PM should not support his activities , we just recalling the days of last AL government in Narayangang, what he did, specially his people on Chittaging high way while opposition leader of the them was proceeded , the nightmare.
We expect DIN badalaer din. ., we want change
Friday, April 24, 2009 09:30 PM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
Is it the turn of changing day initiated by AL. I am frustrated.
Friday, April 24, 2009 07:44 PM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
Everything is possible at Bangladesh. Law-only applicable for poor people & low level crime.
Friday, April 24, 2009 01:24 PM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
I am really frustrated about this matter.
last election i gave vote to AL.
but now the god father are coming from, the underworld,
day by day our hope is coming down from this GOV.
Friday, April 24, 2009 01:09 PM GMT+06:00 (240 weeks ago)
Referennce to AL's overwhelming victory in the past election, as mentioned by some commentators, was not because of any political reputation, but was the result of a DESPERATE action of hopeless and unfortunate people of Bangladesh; like drowning person catching a floating Jutestick with a desperate attempt to survive!
Urmila