A notorious syndicate involved in Yaba and arms trafficking in Teknaf is beginning to be publicly exposed. The syndicate, known as the ‘Islam Gang’, has long operated under the shelter of local Awami League leaders, yet its activities have not ceased.
Two members of this gang were arrested by RAB with 100,000 Yaba pills, sparking widespread discussion across 10 villages in Teknaf Sadar Union on July 6.
Residents reported that the Islam Gang, known for its involvement in Yaba and arms trafficking, has made life unbearable for locals. Every night, under the leadership of the gang’s ringleader, they reportedly roam various areas firing blank shots and engaging in criminal activities.
According to a press release sent by Assistant Director (Law and Media) of RAB-15, Assistant Police Superintendent A. M. Faruq, acting on a tip-off, RAB conducted an operation on the morning of July 6 in the Madarbania area of Jaliapalong Union, Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. During the raid, two drug traffickers were arrested along with 100,000 Yaba pills.
As per RAB’s statement, one of the detainees is Md. Monir (32), son of Badsha Mia from Teknaf Sadar Union, and the other is Manjur Alam (28), son of Rashid Ahmed from Madarbania.
Local residents confirmed that the two arrested are members of the widely known ‘Islam Gang’ from Teknaf Sadar Union.
An elderly resident of Chhoto Habir Para, Abdul Gafur, said that on the night before the arrest, Islam, Rasel, and Kala Rafiq were seen patrolling the area with the two detainees. The gang has long been involved in Yaba and arms trafficking, and anyone speaking out against them is subjected to torture and harassment.
According to local sources, the gang is led by Mohammad Islam, son of Syed Ahmed from Chhoto Habir Para. Islam is the younger brother of Shaker Ahmed, a leader of the Teknaf Upazila Awami League. The gang has been carrying out criminal activities under this cover for a long time, openly dealing in Yaba, illegal weapons, and land grabbing using heavy domestic and foreign firearms.
Residents allege that the gang has been terrorizing the area for the past 15 years. Due to their armed influence, no one dares to speak against them publicly. The gang reportedly carries out its crimes across Chhoto Habir Para, Nazir Para, Moulvi Para, Kochubonia Para, Khonkar Para, Godar Beel, Maheshkhaliyapara, and Deil Para in Teknaf Sadar Union.
According to Cox’s Bazar District Police, Mohammad Islam has over six criminal cases filed against him, including allegations of arson in a land-grabbing incident, attempted murder of a family, attacks on police, firing at law enforcement, extortion, attempted murder, and robbery.
Despite operating under the protection of his brother during the Awami League’s tenure, the gang’s reign of terror has yet to end for reasons unknown. In fact, after the two members were arrested with Yaba on July 6, the gang reportedly fired shots at night in front of three houses in the area, threatening the families for allegedly leaking information.
When asked, the accused Mohammad Islam said, “I am not involved in such activities. You can come to the area and investigate for yourself. The allegations made against me are false.”
OC of Teknaf Police Station, Muhammad Gias Uddin, stated, “No such complaint has been officially filed. However, we are looking into the allegations concerning Islam.”
