Ex-Minister Shahab Uddin Found Hiding in 'Safe Zone'

Just a year and a half ago, he was one of the nation's most silently powerful ministers—Md. Shahab Uddin, in charge of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. Now, the question of the whereabouts of this once-dominant politician is swirling in the political arena and among the residents of Barlekha and Juri.

Having served continuously as a minister from 2019 to 2024, Shahab Uddin was once described by party leaders as an "indomitable and tactical administrator." The repeatedly elected Member of Parliament for the Moulvibazar-1 constituency wielded influence from the local administration to the high echelons of his ministry.

Since the disastrous fall of the Bangladesh Awami League government on August 5th, the once formidable minister has gone missing. While some of his cabinet colleagues have fled the country and others have been arrested by the police, there was no news of Shahab Uddin until recently. However, a recent investigation by The Dazzling Dawn has provided confirmation of Shahab Uddin's location. This correspondent can confirm that he is still in the country, having chosen not to risk fleeing abroad.

He is currently residing at the house of one of his sons-in-law. An anonymous source revealed that Shahab Uddin is in hiding at his son-in-law's residence in a specific, protected area of Dhaka. His son-in-law is reportedly keeping his father-in-law safe and secure.

Sources indicate that after Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5, 2024, Shahab Uddin, like other MPs and ministers, went into hiding. He has not been seen in public since, and he has cut all contact with party activists. Even those who attempted to reach him failed to connect, and even his most trusted confidantes do not know what phone number he uses. The once powerful minister has vanished from contact with his activists. A close associate of Shahab Uddin confirmed that he has been sheltering with his daughter's husband since then. The associate stated that he remains indoors at all times and that his physical health is not very good.

Despite Moulvibazar District Awami League holding more than one online meeting with Sheikh Hasina via Telegram group, Shahab Uddin has not joined any of them.

Political analysts suggest that the minister, who once held immense sway at the center of power, is now maintaining absolute silence in the changed circumstances to avoid imprisonment and harassment.

In Barlekha and Juri, he was the ultimate authority. No one dared to speak against his family in the area, and the administration reportedly operated under their directives. The secretive disappearance of such a powerful leader is now a topic of discussion among party activists. Grassroots workers, who are currently either jailed or in hiding facing cases, feel abandoned by their leadership during this difficult time.

A teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, commented, "This incident will remain an example in the politics of Barlekha. It should be a lesson for anyone who seeks to become as powerful as Shahab Uddin or his family in the future."

Meanwhile, party sources are also silent on Shahab Uddin's status. One Awami League leader, speaking anonymously, said, "I heard he is in the country. He couldn't leave. Only the municipal mayor of Barlekha, Kamran, and Helal Uddin managed to flee the country, along with some student and youth league activists. But the minister is in the country and is safe in a special area, staying with his family."

Shahab Uddin has been facing allegations of corruption and illegal wealth accumulation since late 2024. In January 2025, a court banned him from international travel. Subsequently, in August, an order was issued to seize his land and bank accounts. Currently, there are seven active cases against him.

Shahab Uddin was born on December 31, 1954. He was elected as a Member of Parliament on an Awami League ticket from the Moulvibazar-1 constituency for the 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Jatiya Sangsad terms. The career politician is married to Begum Shirin Akhter, and they have two sons and two daughters.