Police have arrested two men after CCTV footage showing a Barishal businessman being physically assaulted and allegedly forced to sign blank cheques and stamp papers went viral on social media.
The arrests were made within 24 hours of the video circulating online on Saturday night, according to police. The footage, recorded by a CCTV camera inside the office of Agrani Housing, shows several men entering the office of managing director of Agrani Housing and chairman of Bakla Developers Pvt Ltd, Abdul Aziz Hawlader, before assaulting him and allegedly coercing him into signing financial documents.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, Aziz said the incident took place on the night of 27 June. He alleged that after forcing him to sign the documents, the assailants went to a police station claiming he owed them money. A local mediation process was subsequently initiated based on their complaint.
Aziz said he later fell ill due to the assault and, after recovering, filed a case with the court. He identified the alleged attackers as Mostafizur Rahman Litu, Abul Kalam Azad and A Malek Durani, describing them as former business associates.
According to Aziz, Mostafizur and Abul Kalam had previously been shareholders in Bakla Developers before selling their shares and receiving payment in 2023. He also claimed that Mostafizur and Malek had been associated with Agrani Housing.
Aziz’s lawyer, Abdul Rashid Khan, said his client was allegedly forced to sign a blank cheque and six stamp papers while being assaulted.
However, Mostafizur denied the allegations of extortion, claiming that Aziz had misappropriated money owed to them.
“Abdul Aziz Hawlader has withheld our money, leaving our families in financial hardship. That is why the incident occurred,” he said.
Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ashik Sayeed said police arrested Mostafizur and Abul Kalam Azad during raids in the city.
“They were brought under the law within 24 hours of the incident coming to our attention,” he said.
Jubo Dal denies links
Meanwhile, the Jubo Dal denied social media claims identifying Mostafizur Rahman Litu as one of its leaders. At a joint press conference, HM Taslim Uddin, vice-president of the organisation’s central committee, said Mostafizur had no affiliation with Jubo Dal.
“He has never held any position in the organisation, nor has he ever participated in our meetings or processions,” Taslim said.
