Two district leaders of the Jubo Dal in Rangpur have been expelled amid grave allegations of intimidation, vandalism and explicit death threats linked to an alleged attempt to seize control of a local cable and internet business. The incident has sparked political controversy and prompted police investigations, though no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
The expelled figures are Akibul Rahman (Monu), joint general secretary of the district unit, and Tamzidur Rashid (Galib), assistant general secretary. Their removal was confirmed on Sunday night in a letter signed by Minhazul Islam Bhuiya, assistant office secretary of the central Jubo Dal committee. The letter revoked their primary membership and all organisational responsibilities, while calling upon law enforcement authorities to take appropriate legal action.
Dispute Over Internet Business
According to police and local sources, the dispute centres on Maya Cyber World, an internet service provider operating in Rangpur city. The company had been managing cable and Wi-Fi services from Kamal Kachna to the Dakkhiganj cremation ground area through Cable One Network. The business was previously overseen by Harun Or Rashid, a former joint convener of the Rangpur Metropolitan Jubo League and a former councillor, who is currently incarcerated in connection with a case arising from anti-discrimination protests.
Family members of the detained businessman allege that following the change in government, pressure was exerted on them to transfer control of the enterprise. When they refused, their legally established feeder connection was allegedly disconnected in what they describe as a premeditated act on 23 February. A complaint was subsequently filed against eight individuals, and on Saturday Harun’s wife, Rebeka Harun, addressed a press conference detailing the accusations.
Alleged Office Attack and Threats
The situation reportedly escalated on Sunday at approximately 4:00 pm, when, according to a complaint lodged with Rangpur Kotwali Police Station, Tamzidur Rashid and Akibul Rahman entered the Cable One office on Station Road accompanied by 15 to 20 associates. The group is accused of assaulting manager Raihan Ahmed and vandalising office property, including laptops and other electronic equipment. They allegedly demanded that Tamzidur Rashid be appointed as the new feed operator.
CCTV footage reviewed by local media allegedly captures Akibul Rahman placing a phone call to Mahadi Hasan, manager of Maya Cyber World, during which he issued severe threats. The complaint states that he warned he would enter the manager’s home and shoot him, along with his wife and children, if the matter was not resolved by that afternoon.
Tamzidur Rashid has rejected the allegations, asserting that the cable line in question had belonged to him until 2015 and was taken while he was imprisoned during a political blockade. He maintains that he sought only to discuss the matter and denies participating in any assault or unlawful activity.