A viral leaked audio recording has emerged involving Arman Uddin, the personal assistant (PS) to Chattogram-15 lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury and Tarikul Huq, a BNP activist from the Putibila area of Lohagara.
The recording, which was obtained by TIMES of Bangladesh, reveals a harrowing plot to attack the MP during a visit to Lohagara, alongside allegations of bribing administrative officials and controlling various local syndicates.
Efforts to contact Arman Uddin and Tarikul Huq for comment regarding the audio were unsuccessful.
Plot against the MP
The recording captures a conversation between Tarikul (referred to as Tarek) and Arman regarding the MP’s potential arrival in Lohagara. At one point, Tarek asks if they should remain stationed with “weapons like kings.”
When Arman mentions that the police, army, BGB, and the MP would be present, Tarek responds, “If the MP comes, I will shoot him in the leg… we must ask the MP why he has come here. Arman Saheb is the MP here. Tell the MP not to come to Lohagara.”
Arman notes in the recording that he had repeatedly warned the MP against visiting the area, to which Tarek suggests the MP should remain in Satkania instead.
Administrative corruption allegations
The leaked conversation also contains startling claims regarding financial transactions with the police and local administration. Discussing the destruction of machinery in the Circle area, Arman claims, “We gave money to the Circle once.”
Arman is heard saying that the “Circle, Police Station, and UNO” are now involved in these dealings, adding that the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) had provided a “positive settlement.” He further asks Tarek to keep track of the money provided to him.
Police response and legal action
Md Ariful Islam Siddique, the additional superintendent of police (ASP) for the Satkania Circle, has confirmed that the voice in the recording belongs to Arman Uddin, the MP’s PS. However, he categorically denied the allegations of financial misconduct, describing them as propaganda.
“The call record is not ours. I do not even know if it is original,” ASP Siddique told TIMES. He clarified that while he knows Arman as the MP’s PS, he is unfamiliar with Tarikul.
The ASP stated that legal measures are being initiated: “I am planning to file a General Diary (GD) after discussing the matter with the Superintendent of Police. I will take action regarding the portion that involves me. If the UNO or the police station wish to take action, they can do so.”
He further suggested that the individuals in the recording were acting according to their own interests. The leaked audio has triggered widespread concern and discussion across the local community and on social media platforms.
