A Jubo Dal leader in Bogura’s Sherpur has been accused of leading an attack on a business establishment and demanding Tk1 crore in extortion, according to a complaint filed with police.
The allegation was brought against Tariqul Islam Samrat, senior joint convener of Sherpur Municipal Jubo Dal, and his associates after a group of around 50 to 60 people allegedly stormed Messrs Sayem Traders and Sayem Travels and Tours office in the town’s Fruit Market area on Thursday afternoon.
The incident took place around 5:30pm. A CCTV footage of the alleged attack has also circulated on social media. Abdullah Al Rifat, director of the businesses, filed a case with Sherpur Police Station on Thursday night, naming Samrat as the prime accused along with 12 others and 50 to 60 unnamed individuals.
According to the complaint and CCTV footage, Samrat allegedly visited the office on 8 September and threatened employees with abusive language, demanding money from the owner, expatriate businessman Abdul Mannan. The complaint alleged that Samrat threatened to occupy the business premises and prevent the owner from continuing business in Sherpur if the demand was not met.
Two days later, a group allegedly led by Samrat entered the office and threatened employees while searching for Abdul Mannan and his family members. The attackers allegedly closed the shop shutter before leaving and took Tk110,000 in cash from a table inside the office.
Rifat said the incident had left his family shocked and frightened. He added that he himself serves as joint convener of Sherpur Upazila Chhatra Dal. He alleged that Samrat had been using the name of the Jubo Dal to control government-acquired land and run a rental business there. Rifat demanded a fair investigation and punishment for those responsible.
Attempts to contact Samrat for his comments were unsuccessful. Sherpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Moinuddin said he personally visited the spot after receiving information about the incident. “We received the written complaint on Thursday night. Legal action is being taken after reviewing the allegations,” he said.
