Bonikbarta Exclusive

They were in power for over a decade and a half. During this time, their wealth grew at an incredible pace and scale. Nearly all influential leaders of the Awami League resided in palatial and luxurious houses like fairy tales. These houses became the focal point of political activities. While the Awami League held power, these houses were regularly filled with party leaders and activists. Day and night, they buzzed with activity, with no shortage of security. But after the party’s fall from power, most heavyweight leaders went into hiding. Some were arrested by law enforcement in connection with various cases. Their once lavish houses are now empty and deserted. 

Among the prominent regional leaders of the Awami League is Nizam Uddin Hazari of Feni. The district’s Awami League General Secretary and former Member of Parliament for the Sadar constituency built a grand mansion in the Masterpara area of the city. There are rumors that the construction cost more than BDT 10 billion. The house is surrounded by a lake, with a helipad, swimming pool, and other lavish amenities. From this mansion, Nizam Hazari controlled the politics of Feni. Due to the regular visits of central Awami League leaders and local activists, the house became well-known. However, due to strict security measures, the public was not allowed to enter. 

On the day the Awami League fell from power, Nizam Hazari was staying at this house. After rumors spread that Sheikh Hasina had fled, he left the house. That day, as part of protests that spread nationwide, the mansion was heavily attacked and vandalized. Many items inside were looted. The luxurious house was reduced to rubble. The house still remains in that state. 

Another well-known local heavyweight of the Awami League is Ekramul Karim Chowdhury, former General Secretary of the Noakhali District Awami League and ex-Member of Parliament for the Noakhali-4 (Sadar-Subarnachar) constituency. Using his influence, he secured victories for his wife and son in the Upazila Parishad elections. His wife was the Chairman of Kabirhat Upazila Parishad, and his son, Sabab Chowdhury, was the Chairman of Subarnachar Upazila Parishad. Besides his residence in the district town, he built a lavish home in his native village of Sundalpur in Kabirhat Upazila. Though located in the village, the large one-story house features a helipad in front and a large pond within the property. There is also an orchard behind the house with various fruit and timber trees. 

As the District General Secretary of the Awami League, Ekram Chowdhury’s village home was a frequent gathering place for Awami League leaders and activists. Additionally, due to his wife and son’s positions as Upazila Chairmen, ordinary people also frequented the house. As a result, the home was always bustling with activity day and night. This continued until the fall of the government. Though the crowds dwindled after the government collapsed, Ekram Chowdhury remained at the village house with a few supporters. However, there was no attack on the house. On August 11, he left the house with his family. The lavish home now stands empty and deserted. 

Salman Fazlur Rahman, former Adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on private industry and investment and former Member of Parliament for Dhaka-1 constituency, resided in a house on Road 71, House 1 in Gulshan-2, an area known for its diplomatic enclaves. The house was regularly visited by top political and business leaders, as well as foreign diplomats. The three-story house in Gulshan was one of the most luxurious in Dhaka, with stringent security measures. Now, the house is shrouded in silence, and a burnt smell lingers. Shortly after Sheikh Hasina left the country, the house was looted. Twelve cars parked in the compound and garage were set on fire. The second floor was also set ablaze. The house now stands as a burned-out ruin. 

In Banani, the house of Sheikh Rehana, Sheikh Hasina’s sister, was attacked after the government’s fall. This house, too, now stands empty.

Awami League’s associate organization, Jubo League Presidium member Md. Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury Nixon has built a luxurious house in his electoral area. The house, located on several acres in Charchandra village of Azimnagor Union in Bhanga, is equipped with almost every luxury. The two-story house includes a pond, a small field, and a fruit garden. There is a separate space for meeting with leaders, activists, and locals. When Nixon had programs in his electoral area, he would stay there, and his supporters would gather at the house. However, in Nixon’s absence, public access to the house was limited. After the fall of the government, the house has become completely deserted.

Former MP of Natore-2 constituency and ex-general secretary of the district Awami League, Shafiqul Islam Shimul, has faced criticism for acquiring wealth beyond his known income. Shimul built a luxurious ‘Jannati Palace’ in the Kandivita neighborhood of Natore city. The house, surrounded by high walls and equipped with modern amenities, was monitored by CCTV cameras. For a significant part of the Awami League’s tenure, this house was the control center for contract work, business, and sports activities in Natore. Even the divided Awami League, its associate organizations, and professional groups in Natore operated under Shimul’s supporters from this location. As a result, ‘Jannati Palace’ became a prominent name in Natore politics.

After the government fell, the house faced widespread attacks, looting, and arson. No relatives of Shimul were present in the house during Sheikh Hasina’s fall from power. After the news of the government’s collapse spread, even the employees left the house. Locals said that his family members live in Canada. When Shimul stayed in Natore, he resided in this house, and his relatives took care of him. At that time, people from various walks of life would visit the house until late at night. Now, the house is abandoned and deserted.

Regarding this, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (SHUJAN), said, “To my knowledge, there is no precedent of a government or head of state fleeing in this manner after a fall. Not only that, but the leaders and activists of that party are also on the run. After building mountains of wealth over so many years, they cannot enjoy them now. They cannot even live in their houses. This tragic outcome is due to their establishment of an authoritarian regime. Only democratic practices and the people’s trust can save future governments from such a fate.”

During the Awami League’s rule, the ‘Sheikh Bari’ house on Sher-e-Bangla Road in Khulna became the ‘center of power’. The luxurious two-story house, inherited through family, was owned by Sheikh Hasina’s cousin, former MP of Bagerhat-1 Sheikh Helal Uddin, former MP of Khulna-2 Sheikh Salah Uddin Jewel, Jubo League Presidium member Sheikh Sohel, Sheikh Rubel, and Sheikh Babu. On the day of the government’s fall, the house was repeatedly vandalized, set on fire, and looted. The house is now a pile of rubble.

Former MP Sheikh Helal Uddin resided in Dhaka. His brother, MP Sheikh Salah Uddin Jewel, Jubo League Presidium member Sheikh Sohel, Sheikh Rubel, and Sheikh Babu would alternate between staying in Dhaka and Khulna. When they were in Khulna, the house would be crowded with people from different professions and backgrounds until late at night. Now, the house is completely abandoned.

After the fall of the government, Awami League leaders and activists at all levels are in hiding. Most leaders are absent from their homes in Dhaka and elsewhere. Sheikh Hasina’s uncle, Amir Hossain Amu’s house in Eskaton, Dhaka, as well as his house on Rollace Road in Jhalakathi city are also empty. Additionally, the residence of former Whip Iqbalur Rahim near the Sadar Hospital in Dinajpur has turned into ruins.

Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said, “The rise of authoritarianism is due to the absence of transparent, accountable, and democratic governance. Those who were directly or indirectly involved in building this system had to flee as soon as the government fell. Many have left their homes. No one is staying in those houses now. Furthermore, many of them have laundered large amounts of wealth abroad. The money laundered from Bangladesh can be recovered under the country’s existing laws and international conventions. To achieve this, the Bangladeshi government must establish legal agreements with the governments of the destination countries.”