The Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Central Command Council club, located in Gulistan, has become the center of controversy as a market is being constructed on its premises under the guise of a lease. The club had been sealed in 2019 during the notorious casino scandal and remained closed since then. Recently, it was reportedly taken over, and market construction work has begun. Sources say three individuals—Hasem alias Hasmat, Saiful, and Morshed—are spearheading the project. They are reportedly affiliated with local BNP politics.
The trio claim to have leased the property for two years and are paying a monthly rent of BDT 130,000 to the Ministry of Muktijoddha, which has been in effect since November. However, local and central Muktijoddha Sangsad sources stated that the lease has already been canceled due to violations of lease conditions.
On-the-ground Situation:
A field visit to Gulistan on Monday (January 5) revealed that the club’s main gate remains closed, while a side entrance was created by breaking the southern wall. Large banners have been placed on the gate and front walls, reading: “Grand Opening – February 1, 2026” and “Bangladesh’s Largest Sports Market.” Construction is visibly ongoing inside.
Hasem, one of the three leaseholders, identified himself as a BNP leader and said he is overseeing all construction work. He told , “We have leased this property for two years. Since it had been abandoned, drugs and gambling were rampant inside. The club generated no revenue, so converting it into a market allows at least a monthly rent. This is why we took the lease.”
He also said they contacted the ministry and submitted an official lease application. Rent payments began in November. During the conversation, Hasem did not disclose that the lease had already been canceled.
Construction and Infrastructure:
Construction started in October. Currently, over 50 brick stalls have been built, with roofing work partially completed. All of this is in direct violation of lease terms. Local sources said these stalls are expected to be rented out within weeks.
Allegations have surfaced that influential BNP leaders and local Shahbagh BNP officials are involved in the construction project. Local sources named Shahbagh Thana BNP Convener Zakir Hossain Mintu, Joint Conveners Rafikul Islam Swapon and Tauhidul Islam Babu, 20th Ward Senior Joint Convener Titu, Joint Conveners Sufian, Abdul Hadi Haque, Amzad Hossain, and Bengal Bazar Unit BNP Vice President Haji Jahangir as actively involved.
Sources added that Shahbagh BNP leader Amzad Hossain played a key role in the lease application process. The group reportedly submitted a BDT 500,000 security deposit to the ministry and began construction immediately after securing the lease.
Club History and Background:
The club was sealed in 2019 due to its involvement in the casino scandal. At the time, gambling sessions were run by influential Jubo League leader Ismail Hossain Samrat, whose staff monitored activities. People traveled from Dhaka and nearby districts including Faridpur, Gopalganj, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Khulna, Bagerhat, Barishal, Patuakhali, and Narail to participate. Millions of taka exchanged hands daily, with accounts settled late at night. The money was reportedly distributed among Samrat, political leaders, media personnel, and police officials.
Following the casino scandal, the club remained sealed. However, on August 5, 2024, Hasem, Morshed, and Saiful broke the lock and entered. They brought bricks, cement, bamboo, and wood to start market construction independently.
Ministry Statement:
Secretary of the Central Muktijoddha Sangsad, Bir Muktijoddha Sadek Ahmed Khan, told , “They initially applied on a temporary basis, but after obtaining the lease, they built permanent and heavy structures. For this reason, the lease has been canceled, and they have been ordered to vacate the premises by January 1.”
Local Concerns:
Residents said administrative supervision has been inadequate during the construction process. According to lease conditions, permanent structures and rental arrangements are strictly prohibited. Yet, construction and rental plans have already begun, undermining the club’s rights and raising questions about law enforcement.
They added that political influence and personal interests are guiding this market construction project, not legal or regulatory compliance. This not only damages the club’s history and reputation but also challenges administrative control and adherence to legal norms.
Current Status:
Construction continues, with over 50 stalls built and roofing work ongoing. Residents fear that once the stalls are rented, additional problems will arise. Lease terms prohibit such permanent and heavy construction, but the work continues regardless. The ministry has already informed the individuals that the lease is canceled and the property must be vacated by January 1. Whether this directive will be enforced remains the responsibility of the authorities.
The seizure of the Muktijoddha club under the pretext of a lease and ongoing market construction has drawn political and social attention. The club, closed since the 2019 casino scandal, was expected to be rehabilitated but has instead been distorted by political influence and commercial interests. Local and central Muktijoddha Sangsad members have expressed concerns that unless such activities are controlled, stricter measures will be necessary to protect the history and rights of the freedom fighters.