A senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader in Pabna’s Chatmohor upazila has strongly denied allegations of extortion against him, issuing a dramatic challenge that he would take his own life if the accusations were ever substantiated.
Razaul Karim Khokon, also known locally as Kazi Khokon and a former publicity secretary of the Chatmohor Upazila BNP, made the highly charged remarks during a press conference on Saturday evening (28 March) at his private office in the Rail Bazar area of Chatmohor.
Speaking before local journalists, Khokon categorically rejected claims that he had demanded money from a local resident. He insisted that he was willing to face the most severe consequences should any evidence of wrongdoing be established.
“On matters of extortion, if there is any involvement of mine anywhere, if it is proven, then I will not only leave politics, I will commit suicide,” he declared.
The statement comes amid escalating tensions in the locality following allegations made by a resident, which have already led to a formal complaint being lodged with the police and triggered political controversy in the area.
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Allegations raised by complainant
According to local sources, Harun-or-Rashid of Mohoromkhali village in Chatmohor upazila alleged that Khokon demanded extortion money from him on Friday evening (27 March) in the Rail Bazar area. He further claimed that he was physically assaulted after refusing to comply.
Harun subsequently received medical treatment at a hospital and later filed a written complaint with the local police station. He also briefed journalists, reiterating his allegations while still under medical care.
The complainant has accused Khokon of intimidation and assault, claims that have since become the focus of an ongoing local dispute and preliminary police scrutiny.
Khokon’s defence and counter-claims
Rejecting the allegations in full, Khokon described the case as politically motivated and part of a coordinated attempt to damage his reputation.
He claimed that his involvement in efforts to curb drug-related activities in the area had made him a target of retaliation. According to him, local opposition stemmed from his stance against narcotics networks operating in the region.
Khokon further alleged that Harun-or-Rashid is involved in drug dealing and human trafficking-related activities, claims he said are widely known in the locality but have not been formally substantiated.
He also alleged that another individual, referred to locally as “Dollar”, had been defrauded of Tk 50,000 by Harun under the promise of arranging overseas employment. According to Khokon, when the promised job failed to materialise, the victim sought repayment and was allegedly threatened.
Khokon said he intervened after being informed of the dispute and instructed Harun to return the money. He acknowledged that a confrontation followed, during which Harun was “physically reprimanded” before being handed over to local mediators for attempted settlement.
He further alleged that the extortion complaint was subsequently fabricated with the involvement of political rivals within his own party.
Summary of key details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant | Harun-or-Rashid |
| Accused | Razaul Karim Khokon (Kazi Khokon) |
| Incident date | 27 March (Friday evening) |
| Location | Rail Bazar, Chatmohor, Pabna |
| Allegation | Extortion demand and assault |
| Legal status | Written complaint lodged with police |
| Counter-claim | Political conspiracy and drug-related dispute |
Political reaction and statements
Khokon linked the controversy to his alleged anti-narcotics campaign, claiming that his activities against drug networks had made him a target of false allegations. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into both the extortion claims and the background of the complainant.
“I request the administration and journalists to investigate properly. If I am guilty, I accept the consequences,” he said, reiterating his earlier vow regarding suicide if proven guilty.
He also challenged Harun to provide documentary or witness evidence supporting his allegations, while calling for a broader investigation into alleged drug-related activities in the area.
Attendance at press briefing
Several local BNP and affiliated political figures were present during the press conference, including Abdul Quddus Alo, joint secretary of Chatmohor Upazila Jubo Dal, Toafazzal Hossain Mondal of Mulgram Union BNP, former vice-president Mizanur Rahman Thantu, and former joint secretary Nazrul Islam Molla, among others.
Continuing dispute
The incident has sparked significant political debate in Chatmohor, with sharply contrasting narratives emerging from both sides. While the complainant maintains he was assaulted and subjected to extortion, Khokon insists he is the victim of a politically motivated smear campaign.
Police have not yet issued a final determination, and investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the competing claims and gather evidence from both parties.