‘Balu Sattar’ still controls sand empire from hiding

Salim Reza, Sirajganj :

Where is now Haji Abdus Sattar, also the kingpin of the sand empire in Sirajganj? Such questions are often being heard from people.

There are allegations that this much-talked-about sand trader, who obtained a strong position in the Awami League, is currently in hiding but is controlling his vast sand empire from behind the scenes by managing law enforcers and local BNP leaders.

All five sand palaces, locally known as ‘Balu Mohal’, in the district are still under his control. Although on paper the number of ‘Balu Mohal’ in the district is now 4 to 5, sand extraction is going on all over the Jamuna River. As a result, people on the banks of the river are constantly being subjected to river erosion. Various important structures, including the Jamuna Bridge, are at risk of erosion and cracks. But there is no one to look into the matter.

Balu Sattar’s sole empire began with the murder of former transport labour leader Nasir. He was also one of the accused in this murder case. However, he did not have to serve in jail. This clever sand bandit saved himself from the law by making a settlement with the plaintiff of the case in exchange for about Tk 2 crore, locals said.

During the reign of former dictator Sheikh Hasina, he became President of the Awami League for Ward No. 10 and expanded his empire one after another by abusing power. There is a rumour throughout the town that a large portion of the Awami League’s politics in Sirajganj was run with his money. During the long regime of the Awami League, he was known as a powerful leader of the party in all circles.

Locals say that, until now, he is the sole controller of the entire ‘Balu Mohal’ in Sirajganj. Not only in Sirajganj, but he is also the controller of multiple sand points in the neighbouring district of Tangail.

There are hundreds of dredgers and bulkheads used for sand extraction across the Jamuna River in Sirajganj and Tangail districts. Besides, he owns innumerable trucks used for transporting sand. He also has a powerful cadre battalion engaged in controlling the sand trade, locals said.

Abdus Sattar is a resident of Ward No. 10 of Sirajganj town and a former President of the Ward No. 10 Awami League. He was also elected as a councillor once upon a time on behalf of the Awami League. Locals said that after performing Hajj, he became Haji Abdus Sattar by adding the word “Haji” to his name. However, very few people call him Haji Abdus Sattar. He is known as ‘Balu Sattar’ to most of the people in the district.
On August 5, 2024, when dictator Sheikh Hasina fled the country in the face of the mass movement of students and the public, Haji Abdus Sattar alias Balu Sattar went into hiding. Later, he managed the top leaders of the district BNP in exchange for money and turned into a BNP man overnight. Even to maintain his vast empire of ‘Balu Mohal’, he has been running his business smoothly under sub-lease arrangements. He is controlling the vast empire from behind the scenes. Although he is not seen during the day, it is rumoured that he is occasionally seen in his tent at night.
According to sources, before the fall of the Awami League government, he had been campaigning in local media and on social media platforms like Facebook for political favour by doing photo sessions of giving charity and feeding people. This has led to suspicion among conscious citizens that he may have been campaigning to cover up his past misdeeds and to secure a big position in the Awami League.