Photo : Messenger
Shahidul Islam Tutul, a prominent generator businessman based in the capital city, recently found himself targeted by terrorists who demanded a hefty sum of Tk 5 lakh. They issued a chilling ultimatum, giving him a mere two days to comply with their demands. Adding to the horror, two young men paid an unwelcome visit to his business premises, demanding the extortion money. When Tutul bravely refused to yield to their demands, they callously opened blank shots before departing. The harrowing incident left Tutul in shock and terror, prompting him to file a formal complaint at the nearest police station.
Panic has gripped the traders of Badda as news of Tutul's harrowing ordeal spreads like wildfire throughout the community. Fear now casts a shadow over their daily lives. Tutul's own career has ground to a halt in the aftermath of the attack, while the family of the brave victim, consisting of a boy and a girl, find themselves confined to their home, paralysed by fear and uncertainty.
Sadly, Tutul's plight is not an isolated incident. Other businessmen in Badda have also found themselves targeted by extortion threats, further exacerbating the atmosphere of fear and insecurity. The menace of extortion has extended its reach beyond Badda, with prominent businessmen in areas like Gulshan, Bhatara, Khilgaon, Rampura, and Tejgaon also falling victim to similar threats. Some have reluctantly parted with their money in a desperate bid to safeguard their lives, while others have chosen to seek assistance from the authorities, turning to both local police stations and detective units.
After the complaint, multiple teams of Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police are working to arrest this group of extortionists and recover weapons.
According to a source of intelligence police, some associates of terrorists Ashiq, Dalim, Robin and Mehdi who are in Dubai and America have suddenly become reckless. They are doing it. They are extorting money by targeting some traders in Badda, Rampura and Khilgaon. According to the sources, there are members of some party units in the police station area as accomplices of those terrorists. They are the ones controlling the garbage trade, dish and internet trade locally. They are basically doing these things as their collaborators.
According to reliable sources, authorities have made significant progress in identifying individuals involved in these criminal activities and have initiated surveillance measures to bring them to justice swiftly.
Alam Rahman, a respected businessman in the Khilgaon area, expressed deep concern over the recent surge in such incidents. He revealed that traders are being relentlessly pressured to pay extortion sums ranging from Tk 2 to 5 lakh, with strict deadlines imposed for payment. Failure to comply results in chilling threats of violence, including open declarations of death. Rahman highlighted the tactics employed by these criminals, such as firing blank shots outside the homes or shops of non-compliant individuals, exacerbating fear and panic within the community.
Suman, a businessman from Rampura, recounted a similar pattern of extortion that plagued the area in the past. He recalled the reign of terror orchestrated by Bhagina Tushar, acting in the name of his incarcerated uncle, Kailya Palash. With Palash currently behind bars, a new group led by individuals named Ashiq and Robin has emerged, continuing the extortion racket. Suman lamented the pervasive atmosphere of fear gripping the traders, as many now live in constant apprehension due to the looming threat of extortion and violence.
Badda businessman Aktar Mahmud emphasised the prevailing atmosphere of caution and apprehension among the community in the aftermath of the Tutul incident. He revealed that numerous individuals have been targeted by terrorist groups, demanding extortion payments. Mahmud stated that they have promptly reported all such incidents to both the Thana Police and the Detective Police for immediate action.
Responding to inquiries, Mahmud disclosed that fear has now become a constant companion for many businessmen in Badda, Bhatara, and Gulshan. He cited previous atrocities, including four murders in Badda and the shooting of the Jubo League convener, as well as incidents involving gunfire aimed at instigating terror by targeting residences. These events have instilled a pervasive sense of panic and trepidation among traders.
OC Moshiur Rahman of the Rampura police station affirmed the presence of extortion cases targeting traders in their jurisdiction. He assured that law enforcement is actively engaged in addressing these issues, with special attention given to implementing enhanced security measures within the police station's area of responsibility.
Similarly, OC Mazharul Islam of the Gulshan police station acknowledged reports of extortion incidents involving traders in the DCC market area. He assured the public that the matter is under thorough investigation. Additionally, Islam mentioned the deployment of both uniformed and plainclothes police patrols in the vicinity to deter any potential untoward incidents and ensure the safety of residents and businesses.
Mohammad Yasin Ghazi, the OC of Badda police station, emphasised the heightened vigilance among law enforcement following the Tutul incident. He affirmed that both the Thana Police and the Detective Police are actively collaborating to address the matter effectively.
Ghazi noted that some perpetrators of such crimes may operate from abroad, orchestrating extortion schemes through their local accomplices.
In light of these challenges, Ghazi stated that security measures have been bolstered across the entire area under their jurisdiction to ensure the safety and security of the residents and businesses alike.
Mashiur Rahman, Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police said, Ashiq, Robin, Dalim and Mehdi have now become united. Some ward and unit level leaders are trying to get active again.
He said, some of our groups are divided and trying to arrest this gang. Soon they will be brought under the law.
In response to a question, this senior officer of the detective police said that if someone wants a ransom, they should contact the police station immediately. He said to those who have been asked for donations, he advised the law enforcement agencies not to panic or worry.
Messenger/Fameema
