A petition has been submitted to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking an inquiry into extortion allegations against Khairul Islam Shojib, the son of Azharul Islam, Member of Parliament for the Narayanganj-3 constituency.
Salah Uddin Reagan, a Supreme Court lawyer, filed the petition with the ACC Chairman on Thursday, requesting a formal investigation into the claims raised against Shojib.
The application notes that media reports published on 22 June detailed how Shojib was released to his family after providing a formal undertaking. He had been interrogated and handed over late on the night of 21 June.
Allegations against him involve demanding extortion from multiple industrial establishments within the area.
Acting on directives from high-level government authorities, Narayanganj District Police, supported by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Detective Branch (DB), took Shojib into custody in the capital. He was subsequently transported to the DB office on Minto Road.
Further reports suggest that following the BNP’s ascent to power, Shojib’s associates detained a vehicle belonging to a major industrial group to demand extortion, which was only released after high-level government intervention.
Beyond this, there are numerous allegations regarding the obstruction of goods-laden factory vehicles for money and the control of the “jhut” (scrap fabric) business.
Although Shojib served as the Senior Joint Convenor of the District Jubo Dal, he was expelled from the organisation after being taken into custody.
Lawyer Salah Uddin Reagan stated that it is highly regrettable that the appropriate authorities have failed to initiate an inquiry despite extensive coverage in national dailies.
He remarked that such inaction undermines public trust and confidence in state institutions like the ACC, creates confusion, and encourages the public to view politics as a mere tool for financial gain.
