Jubo Dal leader held over demanding extortion in Natore

Police arrested a local Jubo Dal leader in Natore’s Gurudaspur upazila over allegations of demanding Tk 5 lakh in extortion from a market leaseholder in presence of police.

The accused, Rakibur Rahman Raza, was arrested on Friday night following widespread criticism after a video of the incident went viral on social media. He was later sent to jail through a court order on Saturday.

According to police, the incident took place on Thursday afternoon at the upazila parishad premises in Gurudaspur, where the date for opening tenders for several local market leases had been scheduled.

Obaidul Islam Topu and Rakibur Rahman Raza had both submitted bids for the lease of the Chandrapur Tuladhona market. Obaidul Islam was declared the highest bidder and secured the lease.

Witnesses alleged that shortly after the results were announced, Raza publicly demanded Tk 5 lakh from the newly selected leaseholder.

In the viral video, Raza, wearing a light pink T-shirt, can be seen confronting Obaidul Islam at the main gate of the upazila parishad complex and allegedly threatening to assault him if the money was not paid.

At the time of the incident, Gurudaspur Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Shafiquzzaman Sarkar was present at the scene. As tensions escalated, the OC reportedly urged those present to remain calm and instructed them to disperse.

The entire incident was being broadcast live from a facebook page and the footage later spread widely across social media platforms.

Speaking to journalists, Obaidul Islam Topu said, “Both Raza and I submitted tenders for the Chandrapur Tuladhona market. After I was declared the highest bidder, he demanded Tk 5 lakh from me.”

However, at a press briefing held at a tea stall in Tuladhona Bazar around 8:00 PM on Friday, Raza denied the extortion allegation.

He claimed the money he demanded was not extortion but repayment of a loan he had given a year earlier.

Following the incident, Jubo Dal’s district unit relieved him of his party post. He had been serving as joint convener of the Nazirpur union unit of the organisation.

Confirming the incident, Gurudaspur Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Shafiquzzaman Sarkar confirmed that Raza was arrested in connection with a case filed by Obaidul Islam Topu on charges of extortion and intimidation. He was produced before a court on Saturday and subsequently sent to jail.

The incident has sparked widespread reaction in the area, with locals calling for strict action against extortion and greater transparency in the leasing process of government markets.

MAM/AM