Tawhidul Islam, Cox’s Bazar 

A powerful network of more than 50 illegal business syndicates remains active along the Cox's Bazar border areas of Teknaf and Ukhiya, centering around Myanmar. Despite changes following the fall of the government, these smuggling, human trafficking, hundi (illegal money transfer), and narcotics syndicates continue to operate under the control of loyal associates of the much-discussed Abdur Rahman Bodi. While Bodi is currently in prison and some syndicate members have repositioned themselves, the core leadership remains with his trusted operatives.

Abdur Rahman Bodi first rose to power in the region after being elected as a Member of Parliament in the 2008 national elections. Over time, a powerful syndicate of over 50 illegal businesses developed in the Myanmar border area, with Bodi at its center. Activities such as yaba (methamphetamine), hundi, human trafficking, and cross-border smuggling thrived under this 'Bodi-controlled' syndicate. These are not mere allegations — multiple government intelligence reports from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Department of Narcotics Control during the Awami League's tenure identified Bodi as the chief patron and godfather of these operations.

Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, Bodi was arrested in Chattogram and is now behind bars. However, Myanmar-centric smuggling and hundi operations remain under the syndicate's control. Members continue coordinating through imprisoned Bodi, his jailed brother Maulvi Mujibur Rahman, and fugitive son Shawon Arman. Many syndicate members have strategically switched political affiliations — some now identifying themselves as BNP and Jamaat leaders.

According to a confidential government intelligence report, more than 30 syndicate members close to Bodi have been identified in the border areas over the past 15 years, although the actual list is believed to be much longer.

Despite being imprisoned, Bodi still manages hundi operations — the main channel for laundering money earned from Myanmar-based yaba, ice, gold, and other contraband. His trusted associates inside and outside the country operate this network.

Intelligence sources reveal that the primary controller of the hundi syndicate for the past 15 years is Zafar Ahmed, known locally as 'TT Zafar,' son of late Md. Hossain from Jaliapara, Teknaf. Widely known as Bodi’s business partner, Zafar has been residing in Dubai, UAE for the past nine years, from where he oversees the hundi network.

Recently, TT Zafar reportedly visited Bangladesh, met Bodi in Chattogram jail, and held multiple meetings with syndicate members in Teknaf. Verification of local and intelligence sources confirmed the existence of a well-furnished office beside Agrani Bank in New Market, Teknaf’s Upper Bazaar, known as the ‘TT Office’ — synonymous locally with illegal money transfer. This office is reportedly managed by Zafar’s elder brother, former municipal councilor Maniruzzaman, with operational support from Zafar’s brother-in-law Korban Ali and associate Siraj Mia. TT Zafar is also believed to control hundi offices in Chattogram through his associates Osman (nicknamed Hundi Osman) and Ramzan Ali. This syndicate reportedly handles over 50% of the Myanmar-based illegal financial transactions.

When contacted, former councilor Maniruzzaman denied the allegations, claiming political rivals were spreading rumors to damage his reputation. He stated that his brother Zafar left for Dubai in 2016 under Bodi’s oppression and has not returned since, even after the deaths of their mother and two brothers. Maniruzzaman denied any association with Bodi or illegal business.

He also said he was unaware of any business ties between Zafar and his in-laws, Siraj Mia and Korban Ali. About Ramzan Ali and Osman, he clarified that Ramzan, originally from Myanmar, left Teknaf for Chattogram in 2012 due to Bodi’s oppression. Osman, a distant relative, is the younger brother of Bodi’s former bodyguard Farid.

Another key syndicate figure is Omar Faruq, also known as ‘CIP Faruq,’ Bodi’s step-sister’s husband, who now runs hundi and yaba trafficking operations from Chattogram. Faruq regularly visits Bodi in jail and runs the business on his instructions. At least 20 members reportedly work under him in Teknaf, coordinated by his brother, former municipal councilor Enamul Hasan. Formerly known as Bodi’s cashier, Enamul has since identified himself as BNP’s Teknaf municipal vice president and joint convener of the Arafat Rahman Koko Sports Association.

Attempts to reach Omar Faruq went unanswered. Enamul Hasan briefly stated he was busy before disconnecting and did not respond to further calls or messages.

Another syndicate head under Faruq is Jahangir Alam of Kulalpara, whose close aides Raqibul Hasan and Abdur Rahman, both his brothers-in-law, allegedly manage operations through a pharmacy near the Teknaf Madrasa, which stocks mostly expired medicines but acts as a front for hundi transactions. Abdur Rahman has reportedly been arrested multiple times over these activities.

Raqibul Hasan denied the allegations, claiming to have returned from Saudi Arabia in August last year and has no ties with Bodi or Faruq. Jahangir Alam also denied involvement in any illegal business.

Multiple others remain actively involved in hundi operations, including Abdur Hai, Mohammad Yasin, Mohammad Ibrahim, Amir Ali (alias Burmaiya Ali), Abu Bakkar, Abul Fayez, Ayach (alias Burmaiya Ayach), his brother Yasser, Delwar, Shafique, and Shamsu. Many operate from Chattogram and Teknaf, and several others from Saudi Arabia and nearby villages.

After the government change on August 5, a new generation of young men assumed operational duties. These include smuggling yaba, ice, and gold into Bangladesh and exporting fertilizer, cement, and food to Myanmar.

Bodi’s fugitive son Shawon Arman allegedly maintains control through BNP’s 7th Ward leader Farid Alam, while Bodi’s jailed brother Mujibur Rahman’s responsibilities are handled by Saeed Alam — both prominent in BNP’s Teknaf municipal unit and reportedly overseeing Bodi’s notorious NAF river warehouse for storing contraband before shipment.

Both Saeed and Farid denied the allegations, attributing them to political conspiracies.

A senior intelligence officer, requesting anonymity, said, “We know who’s involved. But political pressure, local resistance, and lack of evidence hinder strong action.”

Cox’s Bazar District Police Media Officer, Additional Superintendent Md. Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, stated that hundi traders have been arrested at various times and legal actions are ongoing, though many return to crime after securing bail.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Ashiqur Rahman, Commanding Officer of Teknaf-2 BGB Battalion, confirmed the presence of narcotics and smuggling syndicates and said BGB maintains heightened surveillance and is conducting intelligence operations to identify those involved for legal action.