In a shocking development in Gurudaspur, a local youth leader has been arrested on charges of demanding extortion money in front of the police station. Rakibur Rahman, popularly known as Raja, was detained by the District Intelligence Bureau (DB) on Saturday evening from Tuladhuna Bazaar. The incident has sparked widespread criticism and concern within the local community.
The episode unfolded on Thursday afternoon when Obaidul Islam, a market leaseholder, visited the Gurudaspur police station. According to reports, Rakibur Rahman allegedly threatened him and demanded BDT 500,000 (approximately £4,200) in extortion. When Islam refused, he was intimidated with threats of physical harm. Station Officer (OC) Shafiquzzaman Government, present at the scene, reportedly intervened, reminding Rahman that it was the holy month of Ramadan and urging him to leave peacefully.
The matter quickly gained public attention after a local journalist broadcast the incident live on Facebook. The video went viral, amplifying public outrage. Although the initial response from local authorities was slow, sustained public pressure prompted Obaidul Islam to file a general diary (GD) complaint against Rahman on Friday night.
Following the complaint, the youth leader was expelled from the Gurudaspur Youth League on Saturday morning. The district committee also instructed immediate legal action. Later that day, the DB formally accepted the case of extortion and intimidation and apprehended Rahman at Tuladhuna Bazaar. He was subsequently presented before the Gurudaspur Magistrate’s Court, which ordered his imprisonment.
Rakibur Rahman had served as the joint convener of the Nazirpur Union Youth League. He had participated in the tender process for leasing the Chandrapur Tuladhuna market but failed to secure the lease, which was instead awarded to Obaidul Islam, a former vice-president of the Gurudaspur Upazila Fisheries Association.
Key Events Summary
| Event | Date/Time | Individuals Involved | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extortion Attempt | Thursday Afternoon | Rakibur Rahman, Obaidul Islam | Rahman allegedly demanded BDT 500,000 and threatened violence |
| Facebook Live Broadcast | Thursday | Local Journalist | Incident went viral, drawing public attention |
| General Diary Filed | Friday Night | Obaidul Islam | Official complaint lodged against Rahman |
| Youth League Expulsion | Saturday Morning | Rakibur Rahman | District committee ordered removal |
| Arrest | Saturday Evening | Rakibur Rahman | Apprehended by DB at Tuladhuna Bazaar |
| Court Order | Saturday | Gurudaspur Magistrate’s Court | Ordered imprisonment |
The case has sent a strong message across Natore, highlighting the urgent need to maintain political and social harmony. Local residents have called for strict enforcement of law and order and greater measures to prevent extortion and similar criminal acts in the future.