In a troubling incident in Mirzaganj Upazila, Patuakhali, a fruit merchant has accused Md. Zainal Abedin, the organisational secretary of the local branch of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), of physically assaulting him over an alleged demand for extortion money. The district BNP leadership has responded by issuing a show-cause notice to the party leader.
The notice, handed over on Monday by Mozibur Rahman, the district BNP general secretary, cited that such allegations of assault over extortion are contrary to the party’s discipline and public image. The party statement noted that the matter came to the leadership’s attention following media reports highlighting the incident. Md. Zainal Abedin has been instructed to submit a written explanation within 48 hours, failing which further organisational action may be taken.
Allegations by the Victim
The victim, Nirmal Das (50), a fruit trader in Subidkhali Bazar, claims that Md. Zainal Abedin had been demanding five lakh taka from him. When Mr Das refused to comply, his college-going son, Rittik Das, was allegedly accused of being involved in drug-related activities, and the family reportedly faced repeated harassment.
Mr Das expressed his distress, highlighting that the allegations against his son were entirely unfounded and were being used to pressure him into paying the extortion money. Local sources suggest that this is not an isolated case, and similar complaints have occasionally surfaced in the area, raising concerns about law and order and political interference in local business affairs.
BNP Response
Commenting on the incident, Mozibur Rahman, district BNP general secretary, emphasised that the party does not condone extortion or violence. He confirmed that the show-cause notice was issued after media coverage of the allegations. He also warned that if Mr Abedin’s written explanation fails to satisfy the party leadership, appropriate disciplinary measures, including possible suspension, would follow.
Incident Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Alleged Victim | Nirmal Das, Fruit Trader, Subidkhali Bazar, Mirzaganj |
| Accused | Md. Zainal Abedin, Organisational Secretary, Mirzaganj BNP |
| Alleged Demand | 5 lakh Taka |
| Related Family Member | Rittik Das, College Student |
| Action Taken | Show-cause notice issued by District BNP General Secretary Mozibur Rahman |
| Response Timeline | 48 hours to submit written explanation |
| Reason for Notice | Alleged extortion and assault, contrary to party discipline and image |
The incident has sparked concern among local business communities, with traders demanding more stringent action against political interference and harassment. The district BNP has stated that it remains committed to upholding organisational discipline and maintaining the party’s credibility amid public scrutiny.
The coming days will determine whether the party’s internal mechanisms effectively address the allegations or whether legal authorities will become involved to investigate the claims of extortion and harassment.