Sadiq forced to leave West Bengal as well

Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah served as mayor of the Barishal City Corporation (BCC) from 2018 to 2023. He also held the post of general secretary of the now activity banned Barishal Metropolitan Awami League. Backed by his political connections and family ties to the country's former premiere, he reportedly expanded his influence far beyond his role as mayor and emerged as a powerful political figure.

Residents of Barishal grew increasingly frustrated with what they described as his oppression, land grabbing, extortion, and other alleged misconduct. Even leaders within the then-ruling Awami League reportedly became uncomfortable with his actions. After the government was ousted during the July uprising, Sadiq fled to India. However, he was later forced to leave there as well and eventually traveled to the United States after reportedly falling out with his own associates.

A source from West Bengal, where Sadiq initially took shelter, shared these details. According to the source, Nirab Hossain Tutul was one of Sadiq's closest associates. Although Tutul served as the industries and commerce affairs secretary of the Barishal Metropolitan Awami League, he also built a strong business network in West Bengal through the hilsa trade. Following the events of Aug. 5, 2024, he provided shelter to Sadiq.

Sources said Tutul owns a hilsa business in Basirhat of North 24 Parganas district, where he has considerable influence. Even after the July uprising, when he fled to India, he was reportedly detained by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at the Bhomra border in Satkhira but was later released. Since then, he has been living with his family at his residence in West Bengal.

"Sadiq's father, Abul Hasanat Abdullah, a cousin of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had already been staying in Delhi. Although Sadiq met his father there, he chose to stay at the home of his trusted associate Tutul," the source said.

The source added that nearly 20 days earlier, four Awami League leaders known as Sadiq's closest loyalists had also crossed into India through the Satkhira border and taken shelter at the same house. They were Barishal Metropolitan Sramik League General Secretary Roij Ahmed Manna, Barishal District Chhatra League Vice President Sazzad Serniabat, Atik Ullah Munim, and Organizational Secretary Rajib Hossain Khan. "However, the former BCC mayor could not keep a low profile for long. He soon returned to his old habits and became involved in various activities," the source said.

According to the source, Sadiq eventually became embroiled in a dispute with his own host. One night, he allegedly behaved inappropriately with Tutul's brother-in-law and the latter's wife at Tutul's home in Basirhat, creating tension within the household. Efforts then began to remove him from the residence. When attempts were reportedly made to hand him over to police, Sadiq obtained a travel pass and left for the United States.

An Awami League leader who is currently hiding in India and requested anonymity for fear of losing his position alleged that Sadiq initially kept a low profile after arriving in India but later became involved in misconduct in Kolkata's New Market area. As a result, he was forced to leave. The source said Sadiq and most of his family members hold dual citizenship in Bangladesh and the United States and are now living there together.

A Barishal Awami League leader who was recently released after serving a long prison term claimed that Sadiq's reckless decisions on Aug. 5 led to the deaths of three influential Awami League leaders. He said grassroots party members remain resentful over the incident. One of those killed was five-time elected city councilor Naimul Hossain Litu. His body reportedly remained in a hospital morgue for an extended period with no one to claim it. Although the Awami League's activities remain banned, the leader said the Barishal Metropolitan Awami League should be reorganized with dedicated grassroots members instead of those loyal to Sadiq. He added that no one had dared to speak out against Sadiq because he is the son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cousin.

Leaders and activists of the ruling BNP have demanded that Sadiq be brought back to Bangladesh and given exemplary punishment for his alleged crimes. Afroza Khanam Nasrin, senior joint convener of the Barishal Metropolitan BNP, told Agamir Somoy that BNP leaders, activists, students, and protesters in Barishal faced brutal attacks under Sadiq's leadership. "That person managed to flee the country and reach safety with ease. Such an escape would not have been possible without administrative negligence and assistance. He turned the city into a living hell during the Awami League's rule. Wherever he is, he should be brought back and put on trial," she said.

Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ashik Siddiqui said authorities are taking steps to bring back Sadiq and other fugitive Awami League leaders. "We will inform Police Headquarters about Awami League leaders from Barishal who are fugitives and currently staying in India. I hope we will achieve positive results," he said.