A local Jubo Dal leader named Sarwar has been accused of extortion and intimidation in Urkirchar Union of Raozan upazila in Chattogram, triggering concern among residents and expatriate Bangladeshis in the area.
According to allegations, Sarwar demanded Tk20 lakh from expatriate Liaquat after learning that he had brought 27 bhori of gold from Abu Dhabi to Bangladesh in August this year.
Harun (pseudonym), an expatriate from North Urkirchar, had arranged to receive the gold through fellow expatriates Liaquat and Belal (both pseudonyms). Liaquat reportedly arrived at Shah Amanat International Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Abu Dhabi and brought the gold after paying the applicable taxes.
While attempting to contact the actual owner of the gold, Liaquat allegedly dialled Sarwar's number by mistake. Sarwar subsequently went to Liaquat's residence with five other people and demanded Tk20 lakh, threatening him, according to the complaint.
Liaquat allegedly paid the demanded amount under pressure. He also said Sarwar had instructed him not to hand over the remaining gold to Harun.
When Harun later contacted Liaquat to collect the gold, Liaquat refused to hand it over and told him that Sarwar had taken Tk20 lakh from him. He advised Harun to contact Sarwar directly.
Fearing for his life, Harun reportedly called Sarwar, who allegedly issued various threats.
Several local residents have also accused Sarwar of collecting money from labourers extracting sand from the Halda River in the Barighona area. According to the allegations, workers are charged Tk200 for each boat carrying sand.
Expatriates and residents, including Shamsul Soudagar, Mohammad Ali and Forkan, alleged that people in Urkirchar were being subjected to extortion demands. They claimed that those refusing to pay faced attacks by groups of people and threats of murder.
The allegations have created tension in the locality, with residents calling for action against those involved.
Chattogram Superintendent of Police Masud Alam said legal action would be taken against the accused if specific allegations were substantiated.
Samir Qader Chowdhury, son of Raozan lawmaker Gias Uddin Qader Chowdhury, said extortionists had no political identity. He added that if the allegations were proven, the accused would face expulsion from the party as well as legal action.
When contacted about the allegations, Sarwar denied any involvement in extortion.
