Gofran Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali) 

Once a dormant political figure, BNP leader Shahin Mridha has emerged as a man of immense wealth over the past 15 years of Awami League’s rule—allegedly under the protection of influential figures. 

Despite several arrest warrants, court-issued property seizure orders, and public notices declaring him a fugitive, law enforcement has yet to apprehend him.

Mridha, who now claims to be a prominent BNP leader following the events of August 5, allegedly thrived under the patronage of former State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md. Mahbubur Rahman. Using this political shield, he established Mifta Traders near the Payra Thermal Power Plant in Morich Bunia village. The company signed contracts with several multinational firms, collected massive advance payments for jetty construction and related services, and soon gained control over coal unloading operations at the power plant, earning millions through suspected fraudulent activities.

Series of fraud allegations:

According to sources, Mridha rented a 70-ton capacity crane from Md. Anis Uddin, a businessman from Chattogram’s Salam Market, for Tk 660,000 per month. Despite accruing a total due of Tk 4.29 million, Mridha refused to pay or return the crane, instead allegedly deploying goons against Anis. The victim filed a case (CR-1042/22) at Kalapara Senior Judicial Magistrate Court on August 8, 2022.

Another allegation involves JAC Shipping Lines, which paid Mridha Tk 8.2 million in advance for constructing a service jetty. Of the 2,100 pipe piles sent for the project, 500—worth over Tk 46.5 million—were reportedly diverted and misappropriated. The company’s manager, Ismail Hossain, filed a case (CR-193/23) on March 1, 2023.

In yet another case, Mridha allegedly borrowed Tk 1 million from Nasim Khan of Londha village under the promise of profit-sharing but failed to repay, prompting Khan to lodge a case (CR-357/23) on April 12, 2024.

Political controversy and escalating tensions:
On May 13, 2025, an arson attack occurred at Mifta Traders amid turf wars over control of the thermal power plant’s jetty. The next day, Mridha filed a police case against 21 BNP leaders and activists, including central leader Mohsin Talukder and local figures such as Kajol Talukder and Firoz Talukder. Another 70–80 unnamed individuals were also implicated. At the May 22 law and order committee meeting, the BNP strongly criticized the police for accepting a case from a fugitive.

Local BNP leaders speak out:

Md. Firoz Talukder, Secretary of Dhanakhali Union BNP, stated that Mridha once held a minor position in a now-defunct unit and formally joined the Awami League under the former minister’s guidance.

Veteran BNP leader K.M. Jalal Uddin alleged that Mridha has defrauded many individuals of significant sums over the years and operates a private gang. “His office is basically a mini bar where alcohol and drugs are consumed,” he claimed.

Upazila BNP Secretary Advocate Md. Hafizur Rahman Chunnu stated, “Shahin Mridha is not with BNP—he’s an ally of the Awami League. Despite being a fugitive, he has recently filed false cases against our activists, aided by the police.”

When contacted multiple times, Mridha could not be reached for comment.

Kalapara Police OC Md. Jewel Islam said, “It’s not enough to claim ties with the police—you have to prove it. We are actively trying to arrest him.” He added, “The person who raised this issue at the law and order meeting also has an arrest warrant against his brother-in-law. No one will be spared.”