GK Shamim, 7 bodyguards get life in prison in arms case

A Dhaka tribunal today sentenced expelled Jubo League leader SM Golam Kibria, popularly known as GK Shamim, and his seven bodyguards to life in prison in an arms case.

The seven bodyguards are: Md Delwar Hossain, Md Murad Hossain, Md Jahidul Islam, Md Shahidul Islam, Md Kamal Hossain, Md Samsad Hossain and Md Aminul Islam.

Judge Sheikh Samidul Islam of the Special Tribunal-4 of handed down the sentence in presence of all the convicts, including GK Shsmim at the courtroom.

In the judgment, the judge said the prosecution was able to prove the charges brought against all the accused beyond undoubtedly and they were given the highest punishment for their offences.

During the trial, the tribunal recorded statements of 10 prosecution witnesses, including complainant of the case.

On January 28, 2020, the tribunal framed charges against Shamim and seven others.

Rab Sub-Inspector Shekhor Chandra Mollick, also investigation officer of the case, submitted the charge sheet on October 27 the same year.

According to the charge sheet, GK Shamim, an expelled Jubo League leader, was directly involved with extortion, tender manipulation, illegal drugs and casino business.

GK Shamim amassed a huge fortune through tender business by intimidating people with licenced arms and collecting 'toll' from bus terminals and animal markets, according to the charge sheet.

The charge sheet alleges that the bodyguards of Shamim used to win tenders of big projects by brandishing weapons and intimidating people. They also collect royalty fees for participating in the tender process.

Shamim's associates also used to control gambling businesses and carry out extortion. He was trying to siphon off his ill-gotten money abroad, according to the charge sheet.

Rapid Action Battalion members on September 20 of 2019 arrested Shamim on charges of extortion and tender manipulation. His bodyguards were also arrested.

That day, the elite force members raided his house and office in the city's Niketan and seized eight firearms, a huge amount of ammunition, fixed deposit receipt (FDR) worth Tk 165 crore, around Tk 1.8 crore in cash, a large stash of US and Singaporean dollars and some foreign liquor.

Later, Rab filed three cases against Shamim with Gulshan Police Station.

The residence and office of GK Shamim, an influential contractor of the Public Works Department and other government organisations, was raided following information that he was involved in extortion and tender grabbing. Shamim and his bodyguards were remanded for several days in the cases.