Former MP Fahmi Golandaz, often referred to as a “godfather” in the Awami League, is accused of turning Gafargaon in Mymensingh into a zone of fear. His house, located in Bagua village under Saltia Union, allegedly had a torture cell where people were taken for punishment. The property was heavily secured with high boundary walls, and it became infamous in the area.
Locals Speak Out
Abdur Razzak, a local resident, shared, “I passed by this house every day but could never see what was inside due to the high walls. I’ve heard people were taken there and tortured.” Allegations against Fahmi intensified after the fall of the Awami League government, when he went into hiding. On September 7, 2024, his house was attacked, vandalized, and set on fire by unknown individuals.
Rumors of Punishments Involving Dog Cages
On September 9, reporters visiting the site discovered three iron cages near a pond in the back of the house. Although the cages were empty, rumors spread that these cages were used to punish people. “I heard that anyone who disrespected MP Saheb was thrown into the dog cage,” said a visitor who declined to be named.
Fahmi’s Reign of Control Begins in 2014
Fahmi Golandaz was first elected as MP for Mymensingh-10 (Gafargaon) in 2014. From then on, he allegedly exercised violent control over the area. Local leaders from different political parties and residents claimed Fahmi, with the help of his associates, extorted money from contractors, controlled illegal sand mining, and forced opposition party members to flee. Even Awami League members who disagreed with him were not spared.
Contractors Coerced into Paying Commissions
A contractor, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted an incident in January 2014 when Fahmi summoned him to his house and threatened him. “Do you want to go into the pond by yourself, or should my boys throw you in?” Fahmi reportedly demanded a 10% commission on every contract before allowing any work to proceed.
Illegal Sand Mining on the Brahmaputra River
Fahmi controlled illegal sand mining along a 40-kilometer stretch of the Brahmaputra River, profiting from the dredging project started by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in 2019. Fahmi’s men allegedly divided the river into seven sections for sand mining, generating massive profits from selling the sand. Locals also reported that farmers’ lands were destroyed due to this illegal activity.
Fear of Political Reprisals
The violence extended beyond business disputes. In 2014, Shakil Ahmed, a Jubo Dal activist, was beaten to death at Gafargaon station after being falsely accused of mugging. Local BNP leaders blamed Chhatra League members for the attack, claiming it was politically motivated. For over a decade, BNP leaders and activists avoided Gafargaon out of fear of similar reprisals.
Even Awami League Members Were Targeted
Even those within the Awami League were not immune to Fahmi’s wrath. In 2022, Mayor Iqbal Hossain, once a close ally, fell out with Fahmi. A Facebook post suggesting Iqbal could become an MP angered Fahmi, leading to attacks on Iqbal’s supporters and his eventual forced exile from the area.
Dramatic Increase in Wealth
Fahmi’s financial standing grew dramatically during his tenure as MP. In 2014, his election affidavit showed an annual income of 2.46 lakh taka, which increased to over 3 crore taka by 2024. His bank accounts now hold nearly 12 crore taka, while his wife’s account also shows a balance of over 1.71 crore taka, previously unreported.
Fahmi Remains in Hiding
Fahmi Golandaz has been in hiding since August 5 and has not been available for comment. In the past, he dismissed similar accusations as part of a conspiracy against him.
Credit: Prothom Alo
