Staff Reporter :
Allegations of creating communal unrest and attempts to undermine the interim government against SM Anwar Sadat, a close associate of S Alam Group Chief Saiful Islam have been surfaced.
Local media and various sources have raised some serious allegations against Sadat. Reports claim that Sadat is involved in attempts to destabilise communal harmony and undermine the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
These allegations have surfaced amid the fallout from Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government, with suggestions that remnants of the previous regime may be behind these destabilising efforts.
Anwar Sadat, reportedly the owner of KK Automobiles, Moti Tower, and Moti Complex in Chattogram, is accused of serving the business interests of the S Alam Group, which has faced criticism for its role in damaging the country’s banking and economic sectors.
Allegations include the transfer of BDT 200 crore to his wife’s bank account by the S Alam Group.
Further reports indicate that Sadat was allegedly involved in attempts to incite communal riots, particularly during the tense period following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for the Sanatani Jagaran Jote, and the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam.
While local authorities reportedly thwarted these efforts, concerns persist about ongoing attempts to create unrest in the region.
On December 3, an inflammatory message appeared on the LED screen of Moti Tower and Moti Complex, allegedly at Sadat’s direction.
The message, which replaced the usual business-related content, read: “Down with Hindutva; Either Sharia or Martyrdom.” Anonymous business owners claim this was an attempt to incite communal discord.
The Hindu community, angered by the message, reportedly prepared to respond, but the display was shut down under public pressure.
The incident has caused unease among Hindu customers, with many hesitant to visit the market.
This has led to significant financial losses for the 425 shops and their approximately 1,500 proprietors and workers. Business leaders have lodged a formal complaint with the Chakbazar Police Station, urging legal action.
In response to the allegations, Anwar Sadat denied any involvement in the LED message incident and clarified that he does not reside in the Chakbazar area.
He also rejected claims of close ties with leaders of the former ruling party, stating that it is normal for businessmen to maintain good relations with all.
The investigation into these allegations is ongoing, according to the officer-in-charge of Chakbazar Police Station.
Local media reports suggest that Sadat has been accused of spending substantial amounts of money to suppress the July-August 2024 anti-government protests and attempting to rehabilitate allies of the ousted regime, while also stoking communal tensions.
The allegations have raised concerns among a section of the local business community about efforts to disturb communal harmony and undermine their livelihoods.
