NCP leader accused of kidnapping, torturing bank official

An NCP leader in Bogura has been accused of abducting a bank official, assaulting him, stealing cash and valuables, and later demanding more money through bKash.

The victim, Ashraful Islam, an employee of Islami Bank PLC’s Naogaon branch, filed a written complaint with Bogura Sadar Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Ibrahim Ali confirmed receiving the complaint.

According to the complaint, Ashraful was returning home on Saturday after withdrawing his salary from an ATM when Shawkat Imran, the Bogura district NCP organising secretary, and four unidentified men allegedly intercepted his auto-rickshaw. He was reportedly taken to a hostel in Old Bogura, where he was beaten and threatened with a knife.

The complaint alleges the attackers took Tk82,000, two mobile phones, his driving licence, national ID card, ATM card and SIM cards. They also allegedly forced him to record a video confession before demanding an additional Tk20,000 via bKash within 24 hours, threatening to kill him if he failed to pay.

Police said the allegations are under investigation and legal action will follow if they are proven.

Bogura district NCP Convener MSA Mahmud said the party would take organisational action against Shawkat Imran if the allegations are found to be true.