Ali Hasan Askari, who was earlier arrested for many fraudulent activities under the guise of a “grandson” of Nawab Salimullah, has again engaged in such crimes.
Askari has recently been attempting to illegally occupy mills and factories in various areas, including Rupganj of Narayanganj, with the assistance of local political leaders.
It is mentioned that “Ali Hasan Askari” is not his real name.
Allegations are rife that Kohinoor Alam Kaka, organising secretary of BNP’s Kanchan municipality unit in Rupganj, is collaborating with Askari in committing the fraudulent activities.
Former national football team captain Kaisar Hamid has also been implicated in the crimes. At a recent event, Kaka and Kaisar Hamid were seen introducing Askari as the grandson of the Nawab, raising fresh concerns among people.
According to the allegations, in 2020, prior to his arrest, Askari posed as the grandson of Nawab Salimullah and swindled several millions of taka from various individuals.
He claimed to own a gold factory in Dubai. He also stated his father was chairman of the World Gold Council in New York and even claimed ownership of the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.
This fraudster, who travelled with armed bodyguards, would take pictures with ministers, MPs, and influential individuals, later circulating them on Facebook to enhance his credibility.
He would then contact people via social media, promising free jobs at Mount Elizabeth Hospital and charging each person Tk 75,000 for medical certificates and Tk 800 for medical tests. In this manner, he managed to defraud thousands of people, amassing millions of taka.
On October 28, 2020, police arrested Askari (48) and four of his aides in separate raids on Dhanmondi and other areas in Dhaka.
During the operation, police seized fake company brochures, counterfeit Nawab family seals, walkie-talkies, VoIP equipment, over 300 fake medical certificates, laptops and several SIM cards.
Md Maifuzul Islam, former deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit, informed the media that Askari was arrested based on complaints from victims and a case was filed with Dhanmondi Police Station.
Police confirmed that Askari misappropriated at least Tk 30 crore from different people.
Abdul Ahad Salman, a teacher from Feni and the complainant in the case, revealed that he met Askari on Facebook in May 2020.
Askari introduced himself as Nawab Salimullah’s grandson and showed pictures with various influential figures.
He then enticed 400 poor youths from Feni with promises of jobs and collected money from them. Askari went into hiding shortly after the matter.
When the phone number listed on a banner outside Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore was contacted, the fraud came to light.
Being released from prison recently, Askari has allegedly involved in fraudulent activities and is now leveraging the influence of political leaders to carry out his criminal activities.
People have urged law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to stop the fraudulent activities of Askari.