Joypurhat District Representative:
There have been allegations of vandalism and looting at businesses and homes in Baiguni Bazar of Kalai Upazila of Joypurhat. The incident took place at 11 am on February 23 (Sunday).
According to local and Jalal Mia's family sources, Jalal Mia, son of Safir Uddin of Baiguni village in Udaypur union of Kalai upazila, had been trading potatoes and sacks in the local Baiguni market for a long time. In the meantime, BNP leader Amjad Hossain, son of Abdur Razzak of the same village, demanded a ransom of 6 lakh taka from potato and sack trader Jalal Mia. After not receiving the ransom, Amjad led a group of people to attack the shop and house of the businessman. At that time, they looted the shop's goods and necessary documents, including cash in the house.
In this regard, Jalal Mia said, "Amjad and his gang attacked my house and shop, vandalized and looted it. At that time, they looted the shop's goods, including 3.6 million taka in cash. I want justice for this attack."
He further said, "Since August 5, they have been demanding extortion from me. Amjad first demanded 2 lakh taka. When I did not pay, he locked the shop and demanded 6 lakh taka. Earlier, I had asked for 2 lakh, now if I open the lock, I will have to pay 6 lakh taka. Since I did not pay the extortion, they attacked and vandalized my shop and house in the morning and looted essential goods. On the way to Kalai with journalists, they beat me severely in front of Panchshira Bazar and broke my right arm. They injured me by punching me in the chest. I am seriously ill and am undergoing treatment in bed no. 7 at Bogra TMSS Hospital. I am a member of Kalai Upazila Krishak Dal. I am drawing the attention of the senior leaders of my party and the administration to give me proper justice. I have prepared a case regarding this incident."
Former UP member of Udaipur Union Parishad Abdul Mannan said, Amjad and his gang attacked and looted Jalal's shops and houses. Everyone in the village saw this incident. We strongly condemn and protest. They will attack the house of such a person without getting any money. This is the first time I have seen it in broad daylight.
The victim of the extortion reportedly said,
Since August 5, Udaipur Union BNP convener Amjad Punat has taken 80,000 taka from Himagar's cashier Enamul through Jahangir, and 35,000 taka from Sajahan's wife Mahiful, and 10,000 taka from Abdul Hakim of Aora village. This reporter has the call record of the person.
Denying the allegations, BNP leader Amjad Hossain said, "Jalal Bedrok beat up my son-in-law, a software engineer, over a minor issue. I am taking my son-in-law to the medical facility for treatment. The allegations against me regarding vandalism and extortion of Jalal's house are completely false and baseless. I did not beat up anyone from Jalal's family."
Kalai Upazila Krishak Dal convener GM Bablu said, "Such an attack on Jalal, vandalism of his house and looting of money. I strongly condemn and protest. I demand that the accused be brought to justice after proper investigation, regardless of the party they belong to."
The officer-in-charge (OC) of Kalai police station said, "I am not aware of the matter. If they come to the police station and file a complaint, an investigation will be conducted and action will be taken."
