Kurigram Jamaat-e-Islami leaders accused of embezzling 120 million taka from 150 investors
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Victims of an alleged investment fraud gathered in front of the Kurigram Press Club on Wednesday to demand the recovery of 120 million taka, which they claim was misappropriated by four local leaders of the political party Jamaat-e-Islami.
Operating under the banner of “Bhogto-bhogi Mozlum Poribar” (Aggrieved Oppressed Families), approximately 150 investors held a human chain protest. They called for a formal investigation into the case and legal action against those accused of orchestrating the scheme.
The protesters allege that in 2020, four members of Jamaat-e-Islami—Kurigram district assistant secretary Shahjalal Sabuj, council member Rafiqul Islam, Rokan Abdus Salam, and former central Chhatra Shibir Baitul Mal member Rafiqul Islam—launched a business venture named Vision Enterprise. Through this entity, the group allegedly collected 120 million taka from about 150 individuals, promising high returns on investments.
Investors reported that while the enterprise initially paid dividends, payments ceased entirely after October 2024. On November 16, the accused individuals allegedly went into hiding, severing all communication with the investors. Affected individuals stated that they had previously filed complaints with the district emir of Jamaat-e-Islami but received no resolution.
Schoolteacher Mahfuzul Haque, an investor from Bhogdanga, claimed he invested 950,000 taka in 2022 after being assured by Shahjalal Sabuj and Rafiqul Islam that the funds would support dealership businesses. He stated that he received monthly profits until October 2024, after which he found the enterprise’s office locked.
Another investor, Moslema Begum from Char Jatrapur, said she invested 100,000 taka, which she obtained through personal loans and NGO assistance, after being promised a “sharia-compliant” business model. She reported that she has received neither profits nor the return of her principal investment for two years.
In response to the allegations, Shahjalal Sabuj denied personal involvement, claiming Vision Enterprise was a private business venture run by Rafiqul Islam of Rajarhat Upazila and asserting that he was being framed. However, Rafiqul Islam countered this, stating that six directors, including the four accused, had signed an agreement to operate the business and had all benefited from its proceeds.
Azizur Rahman, the district emir of Jamaat-e-Islami, confirmed that the party had launched an internal investigation. As a result, the party expelled Rafiqul Islam and suspended the Rokan-level membership of Shahjalal Sabuj for two months. Rahman stated that the investigation found no evidence of involvement regarding the other two accused individuals. He pledged that the party would support the victims in seeking a lawful resolution for the recovery of their funds.
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