Allegations have been raised against several leaders and activists of the Krishak Dal and Swechchhasebak Dal for assaulting and demanding extortion money from a sub-assistant agriculture officer in Chilmari, Kurigram. The victim has filed a case at Chilmari Model Police Station.
Chilmari Model Police Station OC Ashraful Islam confirmed that the case has been recorded and a drive is underway to arrest the accused.on Friday.
The victim’s name is Abdur Razzak. He is responsible for the Ramna Union area.
The accused Krishak Dal leader is Abu Hanifa Saddam, who serves as the member-secretary of the upazila Krishak Dal. The other two accused are Hafizur Rahman and Nazmul Huda—both members of the upazila Swechchhasebak Dal.
Earlier, on Thursday afternoon, during the distribution of government incentive seeds and fertilizers, Krishak Dal member-secretary Abu Hanifa Saddam along with several Swechchhasebak Dal activists allegedly demanded money from the sub-assistant agriculture officer and obstructed the distribution process. A verbal altercation followed, and when the officer refused to pay, he was beaten—according to the complaint filed by Abdur Razzak. That night, he filed a case at Chilmari Model Police Station.
Victim Abdur Razzak said, “It is beyond my understanding why they would obstruct the distribution of government incentive seeds and fertilizers and physically assault me. I have no personal conflict with them. I demand proper justice.”
Chilmari Upazila Agriculture Officer Konok Chandra Roy said, “Those working here are not locals. Their safety and social dignity are important. I want the accused to be brought under the law as soon as possible and justice ensured.”
Multiple attempts were made to contact the accused Krishak Dal member-secretary Abu Hanifa Saddam on his mobile phone, but he could not be reached.
Chilmari Upazila Krishak Dal convener Lutful Haidar Lipton said, “I am not aware of the matter; I will inform you after looking into it.”
Chilmari Model Police Station OC Md. Ashraful Islam said, “The case has been recorded, and the police operation to arrest the accused is ongoing.”
Kurigram District Krishak Dal member-secretary Rukunuzzaman Khondaker Ruku said, “I was not aware of the matter; I heard it from you. I will look into it and let you know.”
