Abdul Quader Mirza, the former mayor of Basurhat Municipality, built a reputation as the "godfather of terrorism" in the town, controlling all forms of illegal business with impunity.

Known for his violent tactics and immense power, Mirza's operations ranged from controlling contractors, rigging tenders, and taking bribes to seizing properties and extorting businesses.

His reign of terror lasted for years, with his elder brother, Obaidul Quader, the former Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, providing him the political backing to continue unchecked.

Quader Mirza used his influence to suppress both political opponents and even members of his own party, consolidating his power with two armed groups, the “Helmet" and "Haturi" bahinis.

These forces were primarily composed of his loyalists, including his son, Tashiq Mirza, and other local political figures. His henchmen terrorised the town, intimidating businesspeople, journalists, and political rivals alike.

In addition to his violent tactics, Mirza operated a vast extortion network, collecting money from contractors, landowners, and even rickshaw pullers.

He controlled development projects in the region, demanding commissions for approving building plans and even taking bribes from expatriates.

For the past 15 years, Quader Mirza collected a commission of 5 to 10 percent from each of the development projects carried out in Companiganj Upazila and Basurhat Municipality.

“If any individual or business dared to resist, they were met with torture, forced land grabs, or destruction of their properties.”

Noakhali clash: Quader Mirza's rival AL leader Mizanur arrested

Mirza's corruption extended to the highest levels of the administration. Along with his brother Obaidul Quader and his wife Isratunnesa Quader, he controlled several syndicates within the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, laundering money through various countries, including India, Dubai, and Canada.

This illicit wealth enabled him to extend his influence over the district administration and police, who were often too fearful to challenge him.

In addition to his control over all sectors, Mirza also dominated the local Awami League. For years, the party's structure in Companiganj Upazila remained under his control, with no centrally approved committees.

On February 19, 2021, Quader Mirza’s followers attacked a procession in Chaprashir Hat, killing two people, including local journalist Borhan Uddin Muzakkir. Despite the filing of a case, no one dared to name Mirza in connection with the crime.

On December 11, 2023, members of Mirza Bahini assaulted and injured Nazim Uddin, another journalist from Companiganj Upazila. Subsequently, a supporter of Quader Mirza filed a case against Nazim under the Narcotics Act.

He would often create multiple parallel committees to maintain his grip on power. His actions were so notorious that even his elder brother, Obaidul Quader, was unable to stop him.

However, a family feud erupted between Quader Mirza and his sister-in-law Isratunnesa Quader over the illegal wealth they had accumulated.

His repeated public attacks on Obaidul Quader and his wife made headlines across the country, drawing widespread criticism.

Mirza’s acts of terror were not limited to political rivals. His followers attacked and tortured many, including former allies in the Awami League. His control over local businesses, including shops, hotels, and hospitals, was extensive.

Companiganj Upazila Awami League president Khizir Hayat Khan, former general secretary Nur Nabi Chowdhury, current general secretary and former upazila chairman Mizanur Rahman Badal, upazila BNP member secretary Mahmudur Rahman Ripon, along with leaders and activists of Awami League, BNP, and Jamaat, were also victims of Mirza's attacks.

Mosharraf Hossain Nahid, organizing secretary of Basurhat Municipality Awami League, said, "I think Obaidul Quader destroyed the Bangladesh Awami League, and Quader Mirza destroyed the Noakhali Awami League. He did not care about anyone. His own party, the opposition party, all parties were subjected to torture at his hands. This Companiganj was a place of unrest because of Quader Mirza."

On August 5, 2023, when an angry mob stormed his house, Quader Mirza fled the area with his family. His residence was ransacked and set on fire, with no trace of him or his brother Obaidul Quader.

Case against Quader Mirza headed to speedy trial tribunal

As of now, five cases have been filed against Quader Mirza, including charges of murder, yet his whereabouts remain unknown.

Regarding the cases, Tashiq Mirza said, "When we were in power, my father used to provide honorariums to the top leaders of BNP and Jamaat in the upazila every month. We never harassed them, but now they are accusing us in various cases. We offered them all the facilities."

However, despite repeated attempts to inquire about these matters, Abdul Quader Mirza's mobile number remained unreachable.

Even in his absence, the legacy of his terror continues to haunt the region, as locals recount the fear and devastation he brought to Companiganj.

Mirza’s story is one of unchecked power, terror, and corruption, illustrating the extent to which political influence can fuel criminality at the local level.

The future of Companiganj remains uncertain, as its people wait for justice and a return to normalcy after years of fear under Mirza's reign.