In a chilling act of revenge for refusing to pay extortion money, two unidentified assailants set fire to the home of an expatriate in Kalikini, Madaripur, while detonating approximately fifty improvised bombs, terrorising the local community. Cash and gold jewellery were stolen during the attack, heightening fears among residents.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, 3 March, Kalikini Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sohel Rana said the attack occurred on 28 February around midday in Kalinagar, Alinagar Union, targeting the residence of expatriate Saidur Rahman.
According to family members, Rahman’s son, Farid Sardar, had been repeatedly threatened for extortion. Two local youths, Saiful Sardar and Taizul Sardar, had demanded BDT 500,000. When the family refused to comply, Farid was assaulted with a sharp weapon on 3 February at the Fasiyatala Market auto-stand. Subsequently, on 7 February, the family filed a formal complaint with Kalikini Police.
Police allege that, in retaliation for the complaint, the assailants returned on 28 February, doused the house with petrol, and ignited a fire while detonating nearly fifty homemade bombs to instil fear. They then fled with BDT 200,000 in cash and gold jewellery from a wardrobe. Neighbours rushed to the scene, responding to the family’s cries, and helped extinguish the blaze.
Residents report that the accused have long been involved in extortion in the area. A local, speaking anonymously, stated, “They are extremely dangerous. If you refuse to pay, they resort to violence. Government intervention is essential.”
The victims voiced their concerns:
Fahima Begum, Saidur Rahman’s wife: “We want to live in safety. We are being threatened with murder. We appeal to the authorities for protection.”
Farid Sardar: “We cannot enter our own home. They threatened to kill us and set our house on fire for not paying extortion. We demand the government prosecute these criminals.”
OC Sohel Rana added, “No formal written complaint has been submitted yet. Once a complaint is lodged, we will investigate thoroughly and take legal action.”
Incident Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | 28 February 2026 |
| Location | Kalikini, Alinagar Union, Madaripur |
| Victims | Saidur Rahman family |
| Accused | Saiful Sardar & Taizul Sardar |
| Extortion Amount Demanded | BDT 500,000 |
| Losses | BDT 200,000 cash and gold jewellery |
| Injured | Farid Sardar (stabbed on 3 February) |
| Immediate Response | Neighbours extinguished fire; police investigation ongoing |
The attack has left the local community in fear and has drawn urgent attention to the need for enhanced security measures for expatriates and residents in the region. Authorities are under pressure to prevent further incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.