A criminal network allegedly run by a fugitive top criminal has tightened its grip on Chattogram city and several neighbouring upazilas, with businesses facing escalating extortion demands and armed attacks if they refuse to pay, police and locals say.

The government will take action against extortionists and “top criminals” and bring those behind such rackets to justice, said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday.

Muggers, extortionists and teenage gang members continue to operate in Mohammadpur and Adabor, locals alleged, citing a series of recent incidents that have renewed fears among residents and business owners.

A young man wearing a mask and helmet makes a short visit to a local internet service provider’s office in the capital’s Badda Gudaraghat, and on his way out, he pulls a gun out of his pocket and shoots in the general direction of an employee of the establishment without hitting him.

Members of Rapid Action Battalion have arrested 26 alleged members of mugging and extortionist gangs during separate raids at different areas in Dhaka yesterday.

Alleging that Tk 8,000 crore extra fare is being looted by transport owners-workers and extortionists during the Eid journey, Jatri Kalyan Samity today (April 28, 2022) demanded stopping such anarchy in transport sector and harassment of passengers.

Alleged extortionists killed a fifth grader by stabbing him and then shoving him in front of a speeding bus in Rangpur city on Thursday night.

Street vendors in the capital have to pay much more as extortion ahead of Eid-ul Fitr, further impacting their day-to-day income.