An armed gang of robbers kidnapped Rustam Ali, a member of the Eidgarh Union Parishad, from the Panerchhara Dhala area in Ramu on Wednesday morning.
The victim, who represents Ward No 9 of the union parishad, was travelling from Eidgaon to Eidgarh when a group of armed miscreants intercepted his vehicle at approximately 6am.
According to police and local residents, he was forced away at gunpoint, an incident that has sparked widespread panic in the area.
Local journalist Hamidul Haque confirmed the abduction to TIMES of Bangladesh and said the kidnappers have demanded Tk30 lakh in ransom from the victim’s family.
He said law enforcement agencies have launched a joint operation to rescue him.
Eidgarh Police Outpost in-charge SI Khorshed said the abduction has been confirmed.
He said the kidnappers are demanding Tk30 lakh and operations have already begun to rescue the victim and identify those involved.
Ramu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monirul Islam Bhuiyan said police launched drives in several locations immediately after receiving the information. He said operations are facing challenges due to the hilly and remote terrain, but efforts to rescue the victim are ongoing.
Local residents said incidents of theft, robbery, and abduction have increased sharply on the Eidgaon-Eidgarh road in recent times.
They called for urgent steps to strengthen security on the route, citing growing fear and insecurity among residents.
