Dozens of spa centres and shisha bars have reportedly sprung up in the upscale areas of Gulshan and Banani in the capital, where allegations of drug trading and commercial sex have surfaced. According to an investigation, some of these establishments allegedly remain active from noon until late at night, with drugs reportedly being sold and consumed alongside other illegal activities.The investigation identified two individuals, known as Babul and Bahar, as alleged key operators behind some of the activities in Gulshan and Banani. The allegations, however, require verification by the relevant authorities.

Nesar Ahmed Babul, a resident of Gopalganj, is reportedly known in Banani for his involvement in the spa and drug businesses. During the Awami League government's tenure, he allegedly displayed photographs of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina at his spa centre and presented himself at times as an Awami League leader.

Babul has reportedly been operating an Organic Spa Centre at Awal Centre in Banani for a long period. Allegations have surfaced that yaba, cannabis, phensedyl and alcohol are consumed and traded there under the guise of spa services.

The main entrance of the spa is reportedly kept locked, giving the impression from outside that the establishment is closed. According to allegations, selected customers are admitted after calling in advance, following which drugs are allegedly supplied and women are made available for sexual services.

A Banani resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that Babul played an active role in support of the Awami League government during the July 2024 mass uprising. The resident also claimed that Babul was named as an accused in a case involving the killing of a student. The source alleged that efforts were subsequently made to have his name removed from the case proceedings through influence and financial means. The allegation could not be independently verified.

Bahar, a resident of Gazipur, has allegedly been operating a business from a rented floor at House 33/A, Road 99, Gulshan-2, popularly known as Bluebell. For nearly a decade, he has reportedly been running alleged commercial sex and drug activities under the cover of a spa centre.

Sources alleged that the operation continues openly with the alleged management of local influential individuals and law enforcement personnel. They further alleged that yaba, cannabis, phensedyl and alcohol are consumed and traded at the establishment. Several sources also claimed that Bahar himself consumes yaba, though this could not be independently verified.

According to information gathered during the investigation, there are around eight spa centres in the Gulshan area. Bahar has allegedly been responsible for managing local influential groups and other intermediaries on behalf of some of these establishments.

A spa centre allegedly operated by a person known as Humayun is located on the fourth floor of Ratanpur Castle, House 91/B, Road 24, Gulshan-1. Allegations have also surfaced that drugs are traded and commercial sex takes place at the establishment.

Another establishment near the Banani Cemetery has allegedly been operated by Shahid, who is described by local residents as a former leader of the Bangladesh Chhatra League's parent organisation, the Awami League's Swechhasebak League. The allegations state that similar activities are being carried out behind the facade of a massage parlour.

The spa centre is reportedly located in Flat D on the sixth floor of Abanti House, House 37, Road 27, opposite Banani Cemetery. Local residents have alleged that illegal activities have been continuing there for a long time.

Residents further alleged that Shahid, who previously identified himself as a Swechhasebak League leader, is now allegedly using the names of BNP leaders to facilitate his activities, including the alleged drug trade and commercial sex. These claims could not be independently verified.

The investigation also found that Shahid's spa centre reportedly has a digital locking system and several surveillance cameras. According to sources, the cameras provide extensive monitoring of the area around the establishment as well as its interior and exterior.

Another spa operator, known as Payel, has allegedly been running a spa centre near Chairmanbari in Banani for years. Sources alleged that Payel previously used connections with former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman and identified himself as an Awami League leader while operating the business. Payel reportedly now identifies himself as a BNP supporter. These political affiliations and allegations could not be independently verified.

The investigation identified at least 12 spa centres in the Gulshan-Banani area that have been linked by various sources to allegations of illegal activities.

There are also allegations of organised blackmail involving the secret recording of customers. According to sources, service staff or operators allegedly record intimate moments involving customers, including wealthy individuals and businesspeople from various professions, without their knowledge.

The perpetrators allegedly later obtain the victims' mobile numbers and send the recorded material to them through WhatsApp, demanding money in exchange for not releasing the videos. Sources claimed that some victims are forced to comply with such demands because of concerns about social stigma and the possible impact on their families.

There are further allegations that videos of female college students are secretly recorded and later used to threaten them with publication on the internet and social media. According to the allegations, some women are subsequently forced into commercial sex through prolonged blackmail.

The allegations of drug trading, commercial sex and organised blackmail in spa centres in Gulshan and Banani have raised questions about how such activities could continue in one of the capital's most prominent and closely monitored areas.

Local residents have alleged that the Gulshan Deputy Commissioner (DC) was informed about the matter several times but failed to take effective action. The allegations could not be independently verified, and the relevant authorities have yet to publicly respond to all the claims.