BNP 'extortionists' released after arrest swoop on complainants

In two other incidents, two ruling party activists were seriously injured in factional clashes over share of drug money and extending influence in the city.

SI Faisal Zaman of Barisal Kotwali thana had arrested BNP activists Rafiq, Rubel and Razon with two revolvers from BIP Colony in Chandmari area of the city on April 20 after ward BNP vice president and businessman Shamsul Huq filed an extortion case against them.

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They are members of notorious Mehdi Bahini, led by Mahbub Alam Mehdi, city Jubo Dal secretary.

But Rubel and Razon were release from police custody along with firearms on the following day, allegedly in exchange of bribe. Police lodged a case only against Rafiq and sent him to jail.

Being released, Rubel and Razon along with their associates attacked and ransacked the houses and business enterprises of complainant Shamsul Huq and his relatives in the BIP Colony.

Four shops were damaged in the attack.

Police visited the spot, but failed to arrest any of the attackers or give any satisfactory explanation about the release of Rubel and Razon.

In another incident, one Nure Alam, an alleged member of notorious Suhad Bahini led by a Jubo Dal leader in the city, was seriously injured in a clash with party rivals on Wednesday night.

Alam was injured when attacked by rival Jubo Dal activists Al Amin, Shayamol, Roni, Joni and Shakil when he along with two others were passing through the in Amanatganj area in a motorcycle. The two others escaped.

Nure Alam was rushed to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) in a critical condition.

Another BNP activist-- Badsha -- was seriously injured when attacked by party rivals Maruf, Litu, Mahbub, Polu in the same night. Badsha was admitted at SBMCH.

The intra-party clashes took place over share of drug money and spreading influence in the city, police and BNP sources said.