Alleged Extortion Attack on Trader

A trader in Patuakhali city has alleged that he was assaulted and injured after refusing to pay extortion money demanded in connection with Bengali New Year celebrations. The incident took place on Tuesday (14 April) at around midday in the Police Club Market, owned by the district police and located adjacent to the Sadar Police Station.

The victim, Khokon Mallik (44), has been admitted to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital following the incident. He stated that he runs a poultry business in a rented shop within the Police Club Market. According to his complaint, Bablu Gazi (45), joint general secretary of the district Jubo Matshyajibi Dal, Shamim (38), joint general secretary of the Sadar Upazila Jubo Matshyajibi Dal, and several associates had been demanding BDT 500,000 from him, citing arrangements for Pahela Baishakh celebrations.

Mallik further stated that he refused to pay the demanded amount. He also claimed that on Tuesday he again received a demand for money via mobile phone, described as expenses for the Baishakh celebrations. Later, at around 12:00 noon, while he was present at his poultry shop, a group of 10 to 12 individuals allegedly entered the premises, carrying out an attack and vandalising the shop. He alleged that he was physically assaulted with fists and kicks, and that Bablu Gazi struck him on the hand with a sharp weapon.

He also alleged that similar incidents had occurred previously. According to his statement, on 5 August 2024, the same individuals attacked his medicine shop in the New Market area adjacent to the Sadar Police Station, allegedly over extortion demands. He further claimed that over time, he had been forced to pay between BDT 700,000 and 800,000 in different instances, citing threats and pressure linked to party activities and personal demands. He stated that he had kept the matter undisclosed due to safety concerns for himself and his family.

In response, Bablu Gazi rejected the allegations. He stated that Khokon Mallik is associated with “autocratic collaborators” and accused him of selling expired poultry products in the market. He further claimed that when they protested against these activities, Mallik reacted aggressively, which led to a clash.

Patuakhali Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Moniruzzaman stated that police were sent to the scene after receiving information. He confirmed that the injured trader was advised to seek medical treatment. He also noted that no written complaint had been filed so far, and that legal action would be taken against those involved based on further developments.

Incident Overview