The revelation of former NBR official Matiur Rahman's extensive wealth, triggered by his son's purchase of a Tk 15 lakh goat, has opened a floodgate of information.

The incident, dubbed "Chagalkanda," has exposed Matiur's vast holdings across multiple districts. While that incident infamously opened up a Pandora’s Box of wealth by the revenue official, newer information about Matiur shed light on his criminal connection as well.

A Bangla Outlook's investigation has found out that Abidul Islam, alias Abid, the prime suspect in the murder of Feni's Phulgazi Upazila Chairman Ekramul Haq, is now managing Matiur's illicit wealth amassed and laundered in Dubai.

Abid is Matiur's brother-in-law through his second marriage.

Abid, also nephew of Awami League MP Nizam Hazari and son of Laila Jesmin Badi Monir, was a key figure in the murder of Ekramul Haq. Abid was identified in the police investigation report as the initial aggressor who fired shots at Chairman Ekram.

The gruesome murder of Ekramul Haq, who was shot and burned alive in his car on May 20, 2014, sent shockwaves across the nation. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina publicly denounced the act and demanded swift action to arrest the perpetrators.

Initially, the blame was directed towards the BNP, with Ekramul's brother Rezaul Haq Jasim accusing Awami League leader Minar of orchestrating the murder.

However, joint investigations by the police and RAB uncovered the involvement of several prominent Awami League figures, including MP Nizam Uddin Hazari.

In the same year, the police filed charges against 56 individuals, with 55 of them associated with the Awami League and its affiliated groups. This brutal incident highlighted the deep-rooted political tensions and violence prevalent in the region at that time.

Confession and bail

Abid, arrested in connection with Ekramul's murder, confessed to the shooting during a press conference at RAB Headquarters in Uttara on May 24, 2014.

Despite being a key suspect and facing charges, he was granted bail in 2017 and subsequently fled to Dubai through India with alleged assistance from local police.

On March 13, 2018, the Feni District and Sessions Judge sentenced Abid and 39 others to death for Ekramul's murder. However, 16 of the convicts, including Abid, remain at large.

The verdict has been appealed to the High Court, but a hearing date is yet to be determined, and the death reference awaits approval.

In light of the recent goat scam controversy, authorities are redoubling efforts to locate and capture Abid, the fugitive murderer.

The intricate web of connections between key figures is unraveled, revealing that NBR official Matiur Rahman's second wife is the sister of Abid, who is also the maternal uncle of Mushfikur Rahman Ifat, the son of Matiur embroiled in the goat scandal.

Matiur initially denied paternity of Ifat from his second family, but this was refuted by Nizam Hazari, who confirmed Ifat as Matiur's son and his own maternal aunt as Ifat's mother.

According to the investigation of Bangla Outlook, Abid is leading a lavish lifestyle in Dubai. Despite being elusive, his online activity has not gone unnoticed by the authorities.

Reacting to the goat scandal and subsequent backlash, Abid took to Facebook to defend his nephew, highlighting Ifat's success in bird-raising and the financial backing from his affluent uncles, one of whom is based in Dubai.

Abid also addressed misconceptions about Ifat's father and questioned the motivations behind the scrutiny. He concluded by advising his supporters in his facebook page against sharing the information and suggested that investigators shift their focus to Ifat's uncles in America and Dubai if they want to pursue the matter further.

That Facebook post exposes Ifat and Matiur’s connection with Abid, the convicted killer of Ekramul, son of Fakhrul Islam Babar.

Managing Matiur’s wealth in Dubai

Investigations and information from family sources of Matiur's second wife, Shammi Akhtar, indicate that both Abid and Sohag manage Matiur Rahman's illicit assets in Dubai. Their vast wealth in Dubai is primarily Matiur's, with the two acting as caretakers for his illegal holdings.

Abidul's political engagement in Dubai is easily discernible through a simple Facebook search. Furthermore, a special intelligence source alleges his involvement in remotely controlling the drug trade in Feni from Dubai, aided by local collaborators.

A recent Facebook post by Abid reveals a confident and public persona despite the allegations of his criminal activities. Through his various facebook posts, Abid appears to view himself more as a hero than a convicted killer.

Abid's Facebook activity demonstrates regular interaction with individuals from various circles in Feni, who comment on his posts and tag him in theirs. Moreover, he offers assistance to members of the Awami League and affiliated organizations visiting Dubai by picking them up from the airport and providing transportation in his car.

A law enforcement official from Feni, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over the challenges in pursuing Abid due to Nizam Hazari's influence.

They described Nizam Hazari's actions in Feni as audacious and unopposed, emphasizing the lack of accountability and widespread deference towards him, even within law enforcement circles.

This raises concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement when powerful figures like Nizam Hazari are involved.

The officer further revealed, "Whenever Mr. Nizam travels to Dubai, Abid hosts him. This information is known even at the highest levels of government."

Nizam Hazari could not be reached for comment on these matters.

When asked how a notorious Bangladeshi criminal, wanted for a controversial murder, is living in Dubai, Dubai Police CID officer Abdullah Bin Rashid Al Khamees said Bangladesh authorities have not contacted them or Interpol regarding Abdul Islam.

He emphasized Dubai's commitment to cooperating with international law enforcement to extradite criminals and expressed willingness to assist if Bangladesh requests help in this case.

Feni's SP Jakir Hasan meanwhile acknowledged that “some convicts are residing abroad, but they don’t have specific details on this.” 

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