A leaked audio conversation between Inspector of the Narcotics Control Department (DNC) and an event organiser has exposed the DNC official’s involvement in bribery involving different bars located in the capital’s Gulshan and Banani areas.
The audio conversation between the two has been leaked recently. It was secretly recorded during a meeting between them at a restaurant ‘Peyala Café’ located at Banani on November 18 last year.
After a month-long investigation, our two correspondents revealed the identities of the two taking part in the conversation. One has been identified as Md Sumonur Rahman, Inspector of DNC’s Gulshan circle while another is Raisul Islam Jewel, an event organiser.
Talking to the Bangladesh Post on May 6, Jewel admitted to having audio conversation with Sumonur Rahman.
However, DNC Inspector Sumonur refused all the allegations brought against him.
The Bangladesh Post has obtained a copy of around 14-minute audio conversation record.
Sumonur: After meeting you on that day, I went to another programme with another person. This is why I sent you a message to tell you to talk to him.
Jewel: Yes, he directly mentioned your name. He told me that you demanded Tk 1 lakh from me. What is this? Is this the work of Tk one lakh? You know everything. If you say anything as a brother...
Sumonur: Yes, I wanted it, you are a big programmer. I don’t need money if you say as a brother. You are such a big programmer. It is not possible to open shisha lounge if I do not want. Don't you say hi- hello to me? I did not want any money directly.
(At this time of audio conversation, DNC Inspector Sumonur was heard receiving another phone call.)
Sumonur: It takes 5 lakhs to renew a (bar) licence. Give my reference and pay some expenses, it will be done.......it will be done.
The conversation between DNC Inspector Sumonur and event organiser Jewel began again.
Sumonur: Do you know Anik, owner of floor number 11? Bar's license will be held up if I give a negative report.
I work with a guts in Dhaka city. In Gulshan, Banani areas, I did nothing wrong, I did it out of love. You can't do anything if I disturb you.
Everything about bar permit is in my hands. No work will be done without my report.
Personal relationship is a big deal. I stopped the party in the Le Méridien (Dhaka).
If I say I shall not give it, I shall not….
You do business, brother. If you earn 10 taka, give me one taka, give me two taka. Your incomes are illegal, so others will disturb you. So pay the expenses. You stay fine, I also stay fine.
It costs me a lot of money to move in this zone. I have come here spending a lot of money. I won't stay here throughout my life. I have come here for my two pennies. Can you do business without paying the Officer-in-Charge (OC)? So I'm like that too.
If I disturb you, how can you run your business for an hour?
Two months ago, I went to Banani 11 to stop a party. This party was your Mithu Da’s. No one was talking to me.
Later, I said brother, I have not come here with the intention of harming anyone. I have come here two months ago, none of you have contacted me. Later, they themselves admitted that it is normal if a person who have come here for two months does not get some money, this person will disturb a little. I have filed no case against anyone. I could have filed a case after arresting them. I did not file a case.
Although I have a good relationship with Mithu Da. He would call me at any time. Everything is relationship. I have told him that he is like my younger brother.
Jewel: Brother, I also used to keep in touch properly. I myself would go and give money to your previous sir Shamsul Kabir. I myself used to go to the office to give money.
Sumonur: Confirmed that I came seven months ago. Then I have called you, I don't like your behavior. You charge me saying who gave me your number. I am a person of administration. My job is to collect these. Tell me whose number to take, tell me?
The previous officers did not know the streets of Gulshan. What will you let me know?
The hotels which sell alcohol through import and buying from tourism (Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation), who gives licence to these bars. All these are done with my permission. Why is our value so much?
You know two people are waiting for me at the Westin. If I did not have entry there or If I did not have the influence, would I have been there like this? No one can go to these places except the inspector of narcotics.
RAB police can't even enter there. Even if they enter, they can't do anything there. They will fell into a trap.
Jewel: Yeah, yeah, only narcotics can get in.
Sumonur: Yes, yes, only narcotics can enter. If the police want to enter, they will call me and will say come, we will raid this bar. I want your cooperation. What do you think of the narcotics inspector?
Jewel: Now you are now my brother, you will always do my things. I am hopeful about this. Tell me frankly what you want.
Sumonur: Love, love
Jewel: I love you. I love you from heart, brother. You are very young brother. Your are not like all other aged officers, you are so young. Tell me clearly, Jewel, give me Tk one lakh …. I need, I will give you. Tell Jewel, give me Tk 50,000 as a claim, I will give you.
Jewel: Ok, I'll tell you if I need. Tell me directly if you want, but don't tell through someone else.
Sumonur: No, no, no, listen to me. I don't drink much alcohol.
Jewel: Me too brother.
Sumonur: If I say I will drink alcohol now, even if 10 people go and drink together, it is completely free. Why did I go to your party? It is only to make the relationship free and frank.
There is a pain in your heart, I have also a pain. A distance is created for misunderstanding among ourselves. I came to reduce this distance. I am invited to so many places.
Jewel: You don't go to those places. I know. You came to me as you love me.
Sumonur: Yes, I came to have tea, which is a proof that our relationship is easy. Okay, now let me go.
Jewel: Tell me as younger brother, you need money, tell me. I love to give gifts.
Sumonur: I love to take gifts too.
