Ahsanul Amin George, Khulna :
South-western region of the country has turned the safe haven for gold smugglers. White color criminals have been continuing gold smuggling in disguise of different other businesses through this region for a long time.
Large investments are being transected in the big markets of the neighboring countries including India and Myanmar, sources said.
Saiful Islam, Nayek Subedar of 21 BGB camp commander in Daulatpur of Kushtia said, one Titu Biswas, a veterinary physician , son of Alauddin Biswas, resident of village Gatipara in Benapole port police station of Jessore district, was arrested by the members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) along with 20 gold bars at Gatipara road area while he was going towards Putkhali area from Benapole border by riding a motorbike. Besides, on February 17,2017, Ashiq Iqbal Chanchal, former organizing secretary of BNP’s Parakrishnapur-Modna union in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga district, son of Golam Rahman, resident of village Nastipur in the same upazila, was arrested by the BGB members on charge of gold smuggling. BGB members of Sultanpur border outpost handed him over to Damurhuda police station.
Lt. Col. Amir Mozid, Director of Chuadanga-6 BGB said, Being informed that Ashiq Iqbal Chanchal was going towards the border of India with a view to smuggle 4 kgs gold, BGB members chased him and arrested him along with the gold and his motorcycle.
Concerned sources said, the larger portion of gold are being smuggled in India. Gold which come from abroad by air ways, are going to the high ways of Benapole, Sona Masjid, Akhaura and Hili land port. The masterminds of the smuggling syndicates are controlling their gold business staying at Singapore, Dubai, Pakistan and India. Some times, some small smugglers are arrested, but the masterminds are living beyond touches and as such their gold smuggling are going unabated.
Sources further said, some gold smugglers purchase gold by staying at Dhaka and they sell it in the markets of the other parts of the country, particularly in the south-western region parts of the country as this region is the safe haven for them.
Law enforcing agencies sources said, At least 10 Indian citizens were arrested in the last three months. They were trying to enter India along with gold bars with a view to smuggle it. These gold bars come to Bangladesh from Dubai. However, among them police of Benapole port police station arrested one Mominul Chowdhury along with 36 pieces of gold bars on January 22, 2014.
Police quoting Mominul said, Due to strictness in Damdam airport, the smugglers chose he Benapole port border areas including Horidaspur, Joyontipur, Angrail, Banshghat and Kali Rani and in these areas they are continuing their business.
Police of Kotchandpur police station of Jhenaidaha district arrested three gold smugglers in two separate drives on March 4 and March 10 in 2015.
The arrestees were- Jasimuddin, son of Hazi Nur Mohammad, resident of village gobidar in Singair upazila of Manikganj, Sunil Karmokar, son of Shoshti Karmokar and Obaidul Molla, son of Foyjulla Molla, both are the resident of village Bazarpara in Jibonnagar upazila of Chuadanga district.
Sources said, due to increasing gold price in Dubai, gold smugglers have implicated in gold business.
When the 22 caret gold’s price in Dubai is taka only 2968 per gram, then the price of the same
Bangladesh is taka 48 thousand per Bhori, i,e, profit per Bhori is taka 14 thousand and as such the old smugglers are inclining to this business being tempted in higher profits, sources added.
