A leaked audio recording allegedly linked to a dispute over illegal sand extraction has triggered political tension and administrative controversy in the Lohagara and Satkania areas of Chattogram, with claims of threats against a sitting member of parliament.
The two-minute-43-second audio, which has circulated widely in local political circles, allegedly contains threats to shoot lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury in the leg if he enters the area, alongside claims of financial dealings involving law enforcement and local administration officials.
Politics in northern Chattogram has remained heated since 5 August. Due to power struggles, control over the sand business and other political rivalries, at least 24 people have been killed in Raozan alone.
Although southern Chattogram had largely remained under control of law enforcement agencies, following the leak of the audio on Thursday night regarding sand extraction, alleged administrative compromise and threats of attack on the MP, a tense atmosphere is prevailing across Lohagara and Satkania.
Audio content: Threat to shoot MP in the leg
The leaked audio conversation is claimed to be between Arman Uddin, personal assistant (PA) to MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, and Tariqul Haque, known locally as a former president of Lohagara Upazila Chhatra Dal.
At one point in the conversation, Tariqul is heard saying: “If the MP comes, we will shoot him in the leg… we will have to ask why the MP is coming here. The real MP here is Arman Sahib.”
In response, Arman is heard saying that he has repeatedly advised the MP not to visit Lohagara.
Allegations also surfaced in the recording regarding payments made to various administrative offices, including police and upazila-level authorities, to facilitate sand extraction activities. These claims have not been independently verified.
Statement of MP Shahjahan Chowdhury
Commenting on the issue, MP Shahjahan Chowdhury told TIMES of Bangladesh, “My position is clear — zero tolerance against sand extraction. In Jungle Padua, extraction activities in certain areas had been halted under my instruction.”
Responding to the alleged threat, he said such incidents were not unusual in political life and that he had instructed his associates to remain calm. He added that he was not interested in pursuing legal action over what he described as “provocative remarks”, while also indicating he would still visit Lohagara despite the tensions.
According to locals, illegal sand extraction has been reported from several locations, including Dolu Khal in Chunati and Putibila, Jamchhari Khal in Charamba and Maijbila, and Padua Hangor Khal.
Even hills and elevated terrain in Faranga area of Chunati and Maijbila are reportedly being cut for sand. Earlier, sand-related conflicts centred on the Karnaphuli River in northern Chattogram led to a few killings in Raozan and Fatikchhari, raising fears that similar violence could spread to the south.
Reaction of law enforcement agencies and political leaders
Satkania Circle Additional Superintendent of Police Md Ariful Islam Siddiqui denied allegations of money transactions involving the administration.
Lohagara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdullah said he questioned Arman regarding the audio but did not receive any satisfactory explanation. He also said that a GD has already been filed. Attempts to reach Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Bayezid-bin-Akhond by phone were unsuccessful.
SM Salim Uddin Khokon Chowdhury, a member of the Chattogram South District BNP convening committee, told TIMES of Bangladesh that Tariqul was never involved in BNP politics.
Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Muhammad Shahjahan said, “Artificial intelligence can also be used to create many things. An investigation is ongoing. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.”
