GK Shamim on 10-day remand

SM Golam Kibria Shamim, who is a top government-listed contractor also known to be a Jubo League leader, has been remanded for 10 days in two cases.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mahmuda Akter passed the order this evening after police produced him before the court seeking a 14-day remand in the cases –one filed under Firearms Act and another under Narcotics Control Act.

Besides, the seven bodyguards of Shamim were remanded for four days each in connection with the case filed under the Firearms Act.

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Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) lodged three cases against Shamim with Gulshan Police Station this noon, Mizanur Rahman, senior assistant director of the Rab headquarters, told The Daily Star.

Two cases were lodged against Shamim under Narcotic Control and Money Laundering acts while another one was filed against Shamim and his seven bodyguards on charge of creating panic among people by brandishing firearms, the Rab official said.   

Earlier in the day, Rab handed over Shamim and his seven bodyguards to Gulshan police, the Rab official said.

The elite force arrested him after raiding his house and office in Dhaka’s Niketon yesterday morning. The lawmen also seized eight firearms, a huge amount of ammunition, Fixed Deposit Receipt (FDR) worth Tk 165 crore and around Tk 1.8 crore in cash, a large stash of US and Singaporean dollars and some foreign liquor. 

Seven of his armed bodyguards were also arrested.

Shamim, also known as GK Shamim, is known to be an influential contractor of the Public Works Department and other government organisations.  

The lawmen raided his house following information that he accumulated some money and was involved in extortion and tender grabbing.

Rab Executive Magistrate Sarwoer Alam yesterday said they had specific information of his involvement in money laundering and tender grabbing by brandishing firearms.

His arrest came just two days after Jubo League Dhaka (South) Organising Secretary Khaled Mahmud Bhuiyan was held from his Gulshan home for running a casino at a football club in the capital’s Fakirerpool.

Shahmim used to travel on his SUV, escorted by armed bodyguards. His vehicle was equipped with hooters that are normally used by police and ambulances. His bodyguards would scream at commuters through loudspeakers to clear the way, like police would do during a VIP movement, locals said. 

Of the Tk 165 crore FDR, Tk 25 crore was in his name while the rest Tk 140 crore is in his mother’s name.  Rab said his mother had no mentionable business.