A deeply troubling incident occurred on the night of December 31, 2024, during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the prestigious Gulshan Club in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Allegations of harassment, death threats, and obscene behavior have been leveled against Syed Ehsan Abdullah, the Managing Director of Mitali Group and the cousin of Sheikh Tanmoy, who is known for his political connections. The allegations involve his interaction with Mrs. Khan Mohammad Amir, the wife of Khan Mohammad Amir, the owner of the prominent Padma Group. Ehsan Abdullah’s actions that night, captured in a disturbing video, have sparked outrage and raised significant concerns regarding the safety of members at the elite club.
The Incident
On the evening of December 31, Mrs. Ruksana Amir, the wife of Padma Group’s owner, Khan Mohammad Amir, along with her two close friends, arrived at the Gulshan Club to celebrate the New Year. The incident occurred between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM, shortly after their arrival. As they settled in, Syed Ehsan Abdullah entered the club and, upon spotting Mrs. Amir, immediately approached her with aggressive intentions. He reportedly started making violent threats, saying he would kill her, and used highly offensive language.
The confrontation escalated as Ehsan Abdullah continued to direct derogatory and threatening remarks not only at Mrs. Amir but also at her family friend, Sultana Ahmed, a former Member of Parliament and a senior leader of the Nationalist Women’s Party. Eyewitnesses reported that Ehsan Abdullah made multiple attempts to physically approach Mrs. Amir, verbally assaulting her and her friends in an increasingly hostile manner. The club staff and other members present did not intervene to stop the harassment, which left Mrs. Amir feeling fearful and vulnerable.
In a desperate attempt to document the attack, Mrs. Amir recorded a video of the incident on her mobile phone, capturing further moments of Ehsan Abdullah’s violent threats. According to Mrs. Amir, Ehsan Abdullah threatened to “cut her into pieces” and repeated these threats multiple times. He also directed abusive comments toward Sultana Ahmed. As the altercation continued, Mrs. Amir said she felt helpless and terrified, noting that no staff or club members took any action to stop Ehsan’s behavior, even as the situation became increasingly dangerous.
The History of Syed Ehsan Abdullah
The background of Syed Ehsan Abdullah adds a dark context to the New Year’s Eve incident. He is a controversial figure with a history of alleged criminal activities. He is married to model Faria Mahabub Piyasha, a figure who has been involved in legal issues, particularly in relation to charges under the Narcotics Control Act. Ehsan Abdullah’s past is tainted by his involvement in the 2020 student protests and subsequent violent acts. His actions during these protests led to allegations that he played a key role in suppressing students’ rights by providing logistical support to the ruling party’s activists. Additionally, Syed Ehsan Abdullah’s previous marriage to the daughter of Khan Mohammad Amir’s family ended in divorce due to allegations of substance abuse and other behavioral issues, further highlighting his problematic character.
The Club’s Failure to Act
Khan Mohammad Amir, the owner of Padma Group, is a well-known figure in the business world and a founding member of the Gulshan Club. He was deeply disturbed by the events of that night. In a written complaint to the club’s management, he expressed his anger and disappointment over the lack of intervention by the staff, despite the alarming nature of the situation. He questioned the ability of the club to ensure the safety of its members and their families, especially when an individual like Ehsan Abdullah, with a history of criminal activities, could behave in such a violent and threatening manner without consequence.
Khan Mohammad Amir also expressed his frustration at the lack of action taken by the club’s management after the incident. He emphasized that as a founding member of the club, he felt his personal safety and the safety of his family were compromised. He criticized the club for its failure to provide any form of protection or support when an altercation of such seriousness unfolded. Khan Mohammad Amir has vowed to pursue legal action and has already retained legal counsel to ensure that his wife’s and his family’s rights are upheld. He is determined to seek justice for his wife and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Video Evidence and Official Complaint
The video footage of the incident, along with the written complaint submitted by Khan Mohammad Amir to the club’s authorities, has been widely circulated, shedding light on the severity of the situation. The footage clearly shows Syed Ehsan Abdullah lunging toward Mrs. Amir and making violent threats. It is evident from the video that the situation could have turned much worse if not for Mrs. Amir’s quick thinking in recording the events.
Despite the strong evidence and the formal complaint, there has been no visible action taken by the Gulshan Club’s management. This inaction has raised concerns about the club’s internal security protocols and its commitment to ensuring the safety of its members. The fact that a club of such stature failed to address a clear case of harassment and intimidation has sparked public outrage.
The Victim’s Perspective
In an interview with Manabzamin, Mrs. Amir recounted the traumatic experience. She explained how she and her two friends were sitting comfortably when Ehsan Abdullah suddenly appeared and began making threats. “I was terrified,” she recalled. “He threatened to kill me, to cut me into pieces. I couldn’t believe what was happening.” She also pointed out the lack of intervention from the club staff, which compounded her sense of insecurity. “None of the staff or members stepped in. I was forced to record the video to have some evidence.”
Mrs. Amir also mentioned that the abuse was not limited to her alone. Sultana Ahmed, her family friend and former MP, was also targeted by Ehsan Abdullah, who used degrading language toward her. The entire episode lasted for an extended period, during which the alleged perpetrator made several attempts to escalate the situation.
The Role of Ehsan Abdullah’s Family
Syed Ehsan Abdullah’s family background is also noteworthy. His father, Syed Abu Yusuf Abdullah (Tuhin), and mother Mafruza Chowdhury are closely linked to political figures. His mother is the sister-in-law of Sheikh Helal Uddin, a senior leader of the ruling Awami League party. This connection has raised questions about the possible political protection and influence that might shield him from facing accountability for his actions.
Syed Ehsan Abdullah’s alleged connections to political figures, coupled with his personal and professional controversies, have made him a figure of concern within both business and political circles. His actions on the night of December 31 have only intensified these concerns.
Legal and Law Enforcement Response
Following the incident, Khan Mohammad Amir has vowed to take legal action against Ehsan Abdullah and others involved in the harassment. He has confirmed that he is working with a legal team to ensure justice is served. In an official statement, the police have confirmed that an investigation into the matter is underway, though no arrests or charges have been made as of yet.
Md. Elias Hossain, the Investigation Officer of Keraniganj Model Police Station, noted that a murder case involving Syed Ehsan Abdullah, filed earlier in August, is still under investigation. He assured that further details would be provided once the investigation into the Gulshan Club incident is complete.
Public Reaction and Call for Accountability
The incident has garnered widespread public attention, with many criticizing the Gulshan Club for its lack of security and failure to act when a member was under threat. Khan Mohammad Amir’s statement condemning the club’s inaction has been echoed by numerous members of the public, who have called for stronger measures to ensure the safety of individuals in such exclusive spaces.
In conclusion, the events of December 31 at the Gulshan Club represent a serious breach of safety and security within a high-profile establishment. The failure to address the situation in a timely manner has raised questions about the responsibility of the club’s management and the political and social networks that may shield individuals from accountability. The legal proceedings, now underway, will be closely watched as they unfold, and the outcome may set a precedent for how such incidents are handled in the future.
References :
- The Daily Star. “Harassment at Gulshan Club: Managing Director’s Alleged Threats to Padma Group Owner’s Wife,” December 31, 2024.
- Prothom Alo. “Political Connections and Allegations of Harassment: A New Year’s Eve Incident in Dhaka,” January 1, 2025.
- The Daily Manbzamin,06,Janurary 06, 2025
