Local BNP leaders accused of extortion in Netrokona

Allegations have surfaced against several BNP leaders in Khaliajuri, a haor upazila of Netrokona, accusing them of extorting crores of taka by taking control of markets and water bodies.

A written complaint has been submitted to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, alleging that a group of upazila unit leaders used their political influence to illegally control fish enclosures, water bodies, market leases, and various administrative activities.

On January 7, the complaint was filed by Md Aktaruzzaman Chowdhury of Balli village in Khaliajuri upazila and Jahangir Alam Khan of Kalunka village in Mohanganj upazila.

The complainants also claimed to be active BNP activists.

According to the complaint, Khaliajuri upazila BNP President Md Abdur Rauf Swadhin, Vice-President Idris Ali Mollah, Joint General Secretary Torikuzzaman Toru, Organising Secretary Mirza Zia Uddin, and Chakua union BNP President Alkas Mia operate an influential group. Locally, the group is known as the “Five Star Group” or the “Super Five Force.”

The complainants alleged that the group has established control over water bodies, fisheries, market leases, tenders, and activities linked to various offices of the upazila administration by using party identity and political influence.

It was alleged that nearly Tk one crore was extorted from traders of Lepsia Bazar alone. Regular extortion also takes place around several offices of the upazila administration, they said.

According to the complainants, a number of fish enclosures -- including Ranichapur Group Fishery, Moranadi (Moragang), Chunai Group Fishery, Dhunandi (from Gaglajur to the Dhanpur stretch), Rouadigha Fishery, and Nazirpur–Muradpur Group Fisheries -- are currently under the control of the group.

Talking to The Daily Star today, complainant Jahangir said around Tk 20-25 lakh had been invested in the Ranichapur Group Fishery. However, when preparations were underway for harvesting fish, members of the “Five Star Group” allegedly attacked and intimidated them, forcing them out of the fishery.

He said after failing to get any remedy despite lodging complaints with the administration and relevant offices, they were compelled to approach the party’s top leadership.

Asked about the allegations, Khaliajuri upazila BNP President Swadhin said he was aware of the complaint and demanded a fair investigation. He said if found guilty, he would voluntarily step down from his party post.

However, if the allegations are proven false, he demanded organisational action against the complainants.

Contacted, district BNP General Secretary Md Rafikul Islam Hilali said he was not aware of the allegations. “Since a complaint has been submitted to the party chairman, I hope appropriate action will be taken if the allegations are found to be true.”