Jamaat MP claims daily extortion of up to Tk 3cr at Karwan Bazar

A member of parliament from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has alleged that large scale extortion is taking place every day at Karwan Bazar, one of Dhaka’s largest wholesale markets, with collections reaching between Tk 2 crore and Tk 3 crore daily.

Saiful Alam Khan Milon, elected from Dhaka 12, made the claim on Monday while addressing a pre budget dialogue titled "National Budget 2026-27: Political Commitments and Citizens' Expectations". 

The event was organised by a civic platform at a hotel in the capital.

Milon said that extortion money is being collected from various businesses operating in the market and that the financial burden is ultimately passed on to consumers. 

He specifically alleged that wholesale poultry traders in Karwan Bazar pay around Tk 60 lakh per month in illegal payments.

The lawmaker further claimed that individuals linked to the ruling party had been involved in such activities in the past and that the practice continues. “The government knows who is behind the extortion,” he said.

His remarks drew a response from Mahmuda Habiba, a ruling party MP elected to a reserved seat, who rejected the allegations as unsubstantiated. She said accusations without naming specific individuals amount to blanket statements. 

“We can debate these issues in public forums, but without identifying those responsible, the claims lack credibility,” she said.

Habiba added that she would take action against any extortionist in her constituency, regardless of political affiliation. She urged affected citizens to file formal complaints instead of relying on informal lobbying.

In reply, Milon alleged that law enforcement agencies do not accept cases filed against ruling party members. He said his constituency includes areas such as Karwan Bazar, Mohakhali bus terminal and Tejgaon, which he described as affected by extortion networks.

The Jamaat lawmaker also claimed he had received threats for raising the issue publicly. “I was warned not to pursue this matter too far and told it could endanger my life. This is a serious issue,” he said.

He added that a cabinet minister had advised him to raise the matter directly with the prime minister and seek intervention.