Dhaka – Businesses in Shahbagh, one of the capital’s most important commercial and medical hubs, are facing a surge in covert extortion, threats, and physical assaults. Local sources allege that politically affiliated groups have established networks controlling pharmacies, supermarkets, and other commercial establishments, exploiting their influence for financial gain.
Taskeen Gazi, a figure accused of dominating the local pharmaceutical trade, admitted to journalists, “I have been in politics for years. Now, am I supposed to go hungry? I have become like a mad dog of the Shravan month; when one loses reason, everyone is affected.” Despite holding no official position, Gazi identifies himself as a leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its student wing.
According to victims, these networks demand fixed monthly or one-off payments from shop owners. Non-payment reportedly leads to intimidation, abductions, and sometimes violent assaults. Separate groups are said to extort ambulance services, ICU medication supplies at Bangladesh Medical University, footpath vendors, and the local flower market.
On 27 February, an employee of Poribag Supermarket’s pharmacy section was brutally attacked after failing to pay extortion money. The assailants used iron rods to inflict injuries and stole BDT 52,000 in cash along with a mobile phone worth approximately BDT 25,000. Earlier, two student-wing leaders, Md. Mithun and Md. Baizid Molla, had allegedly demanded BDT 100,000 from the same pharmacy. A case is currently under investigation by Shahbagh police.
Business owners describe the extortion fees as “rates,” typically BDT 10,000 per month per shop, though higher amounts are demanded from establishments with past political affiliations. Payments are often made quietly to avoid conflict, with some also providing occasional one-off sums to avoid retaliation.
Key Incidents of Extortion and Violence in Shahbagh
| Date | Location / Market | Victim / Target | Alleged Perpetrators | Incident Type / Outcome | Amount Demanded / Stolen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Aug 2024 | Poribag Supermarket | Shop Owner | Md. Mithun | Shop padlocked, reopened after local negotiations | N/A |
| 4 Oct 2024 | Brothers Medicine Corner | Employee | Mithun & Baizid | Abducted, threatened for ransom | BDT 200,000; settled BDT 40,000 |
| 19 Oct 2024 | Sundarban Pharmacy | Owner & Employees | Mithun, Baizid + others | Physical assault | N/A |
| 12 Jan 2025 | Sundarban Pharmacy | Owner & sibling | Unknown assailants | Physical assault | N/A |
| 26 Feb 2025 | Sundarban Pharmacy | Employee | Taskeen Gazi + others | Physical assault | N/A |
| 27 Feb 2025 | Poribag Supermarket | Employee | Mithun, Baizid + accomplices | Assault, robbery | BDT 52,000 + phone BDT 25,000 |
Business owners report that these extortion networks also regulate the supply of high-value medicines to ICU patients. The 39-bed intensive care units at Bangladesh Medical University require daily medications costing between BDT 2,000 and BDT 30,000 per patient. Local figures reportedly determine which pharmacies may supply the ICU, with shop owners paying fees to gain access.
Khaja Habibullah, a BNP Dhaka South member, denied any personal involvement, saying, “Some may use my name, but I do not receive money. I only ask that patients and shop owners not be harmed.”
Shahbagh police have arrested several suspects, including Baizid and two associates, while investigations continue. Business owners emphasise the need for strong administrative oversight to dismantle these networks, restore safety, and ensure the proper functioning of this critical medical-commercial area.