Former Dhaka North City Corporation councillor Mustak Ahmed also known as Councillor Mustak has been accused of using his power to terrorize and order the abduction of a businessman who refused to pay him extortion money. On 8th September 2025, Md. Rashedul Karim, owner of Karim Builders & Trading, was allegedly abducted at gunpoint in Bhola district by men acting under Councillor Mustak’s orders, according to the family members of the victim.

Rashedul went to Bhola believing he was beyond Mustak Ahmed’s reach. But Mustak’s men allegedly found him there and demanded more money, the family member said. He was abducted upon refusal to pay them further, that same family member said.

During investigation, several sources alleged that Councillor Mustak was still operating his crime syndicate across Dhaka. He and his gang are openly engaged in extortion, forced business takeover, abduction, intimidation and violent attacks against businessmen.

According to several Dhaka businessmen, Mustak and his gang have been intimidating and threatening the business community with no fear of repercussions. In February 2025, Md. Harun Mia, owner of Harun Pharmaceuticals in Rampura, was forced to pay 8 lakh Taka after Mustak threatened to kill him if he was not paid. Harun had to pay the full amount out of fear, but his shop was still vandalized that same night.

 In March 2025, Mustak and his gang took control of New Dhaka Thai Aluminum, a business in the Badda area of Dhaka City owned by Aminul Islam Raju. Locals said Mustak came with firearms, forced the workers out and put his own lock on the shop. Raju who was not at the shop during this incident, reportedly left Bangladesh for his safety.

 In that same month, Sattar Electronics in Khilgaon, owned by Abdus Sattar, was also grabbed by Mustak’s gang after he failed to pay 12 lakh Taka as contribution. Neighbouring shopkeepers said the store was reopened under the control of Mustak’s men.

 Jahangir Alam, President of the Malibagh Traders Association of Dhaka, while talking to this reporter, alleged that in June 2025, Mustak’s gang collected monthly extortion payments from at least 200 small business owners in Malibagh, including restaurant owners, hardware sellers and construction suppliers. He said, “His men come and demand money, saying it is Councillor Mustak’s order. Nobody can refuse.”

Two other abduction incidents have also been reported by members of the business community. On 18th July 2025, Md. Shahin Hawlader, a businessman and owner of Hawlader Tiles & Marble in Jatrabari area of Dhaka City, was abducted from Pirojpur District. He had taken shelter at a friend’s house to avoid Mustak after failing to pay 20 lakh Taka. His family confirmed that he was released five days later after payment was made through intermediaries. When asked whether they had gone to the police for help, family members said the police offered no assistance after hearing Mustak’s name and identity.

In August 2025, Abdul Momin Chowdhury, a businessman from Sylhet and owner of Chowdhury Construction Materials in Mohammadpur, was abducted from his residence in Sylhet District by Councillor Mustak himself. The victim’s whereabouts remained unknown, despite his family members paid a ransom. Later on, victim’s family filed a case, but no arrests have been made, and the victim has not been rescued. Family members are frustrated that the prime accused in their case Councillor Mustak is openly moving and threatening the witnesses.

 Councillor Mustak is also the prime accused in the assault and abduction case of Mahmudul Haque and Rubaiyat Ahsan Khan, although he was granted bail in that case in January 2025. None of the victims or their family members were available for comment.

 Many Bangladeshis had hoped that the July Revolution would mark an end to political intimidation and abuse of power. But allegations surrounding Councillor Mustak, and what businessmen describe as police inaction, suggest that networks of political influence and criminal impunity continue to operate.