Mongla, Apr 23 (V7N) - Allegations have surfaced that influential Awami League leaders, currently evading authorities due to various legal cases and corruption charges, continue to exert control over the lucrative goods unloading and transportation market at Mongla Port.

The individuals named in these allegations include A.K. Abdullah Khokon alias Khokon Serniabat, the absconding cousin of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former mayor of Barisal City Corporation, and Jahangir Hossain, the education and commerce affairs secretary of Khulna Metropolitan Awami League. These individuals, along with certain stevedoring and handling owners who allegedly benefited from the previous government, are accused of maintaining a monopoly at Mongla Port. They are reportedly involved in the loading and unloading of various goods, including government food grains, effectively preventing other general business owners from securing work opportunities due to fear of their influence.

In response to this situation, concerned general businessmen have reportedly appealed to the chairman of the Mongla Port Authority and the shipping advisor, urging them to take necessary action. Consequently, the port authority and several intelligence agencies have initiated investigations into these allegations.

The written complaint details how Jahangir Hossain, owner of M/s Khalid Brothers & Company, a Mongla Port stevedoring labor contractor, allegedly controlled the port's cargo handling and transportation sectors for the past 17 years, in collaboration with former Khulna mayor Talukder Abdul Khalek. Despite a pending case against him related to an attack on a student procession and vandalism of a BNP office during last year's July uprising, he is accused of continuing to influence berth operations while in hiding. His company, Khalid Brothers, is allegedly unilaterally handling work for several importers, including Desh Trading and Berth Trading, and managing a significant portion of imported clinker, coal, and fertilizer. When contacted, Jahangir Hossain claimed that there are no current cases against him and that his port business during the previous government's tenure was based on merit, not political influence. He further suggested that those currently without work at the port are spreading propaganda and conspiring against him.

Meanwhile, former Barisal Mayor Khokon Serniat, who is absconding due to multiple cases related to shooting and attacking students during the July-August student protests, still has his company, M/s Union Enterprise, actively operating at Mongla Port. His brother-in-law, Mostaq Mithu, an advisor to the Mongla Port Berth and Ship Operators Association, is reportedly managing the stevedoring and handling business on his behalf. Allegations state that under the influence of the Sheikh family, Mostaq Mithu, through 'Union Enterprises,' is exclusively handling the unloading of all government-imported wheat and rice via Akij Group, Mango Shipping Lines, and Renu Shipping, which is claimed to be against port regulations. Furthermore, work for various importers and shipping agents is allegedly being conducted solely under the license of Union Enterprises Stevedoring Company, disregarding established rules. Attempts to reach Khokon Serniat and Mostaq Mithu for comment were unsuccessful.

The complaint also implicates Shamsuzzaman Russell, son of a prominent businessman with interests in Chittagong and Mongla ports (Messrs. Green Enterprise). Russell, who was reportedly the president of the Chittagong Stevedores Association and a convener in an election committee during the previous government, is alleged to have been a key figure in the Chittagong port hostage-taking incident. Despite going into hiding after the Green Enterprise office in Chittagong was reportedly damaged during the July Revolution, his business operations are allegedly continuing at Mongla Port through collaborations with large business groups. While his comment could not be obtained, the Mongla office manager of Green Enterprise declined to comment.

Ordinary businessmen who filed the complaint reportedly stated that fear of exploitation, oppression, torture, disappearance, and murder prevented any stevedoring company from speaking out against these influential entities during the past 17 years. They claim that even after the change in government, all stevedoring companies at Mongla Port remain helpless due to fear. Additionally, they allege a conspiracy by this influential group to disrupt Mongla Port to maintain their control and tarnish the current government's image.

Unnamed officials from government intelligence agencies confirmed that an investigation into these allegations is underway, and a report will be submitted to high-ranking government officials upon completion.

Mongla Police Station OC Anisur Rahman stated that law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any sabotage or disorder at the port by business syndicates that allegedly received special favors from the previous government. He also mentioned the recent arrest of a labor leader and influential Awami League leader from the port area under "Operation Devil Hunt."

Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that an investigation, led by the port's traffic director, has commenced.

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