Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh Ansar and VDP issued an official clarification regarding news reports on an eviction drive at the Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) in Ashulia, dismissing claims of extortion made by hawkers against its personnel.

According to an official statement released by the force, the incident occurred during a joint eviction operation conducted from 9:00 AM to 1:25 PM on Sunday, in front of the commercial building in the DEPZ Old Zone under Ashulia upazila.

The special drive was organized by the DEPZ authority to clear temporary unauthorized shops blocking sidewalks and pedestrian pathways, with Ansar members and BEPZA security guards deployed to assist in enforcing administrative directives.

During the drive on Sunday, September 27, 2026, administrative personnel instructed the illegal shop owners to clear the area. Tensions escalated when several hawkers refused to vacate, resulting in a brief chase and counter-chase between the shopkeepers and security officers before the situation was brought under control.

Responding to media reports alleging that Ansar members demanded extortion money from vendors, the authority clarified that Ansar personnel were present solely to provide security during an official BEPZA drive. The statement affirmed that no extortion took place, nor were any Ansar members injured during the operation.

Reiterating its commitment to integrity and professionalism, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP urged media outlets to verify facts before publishing reports, emphasizing that strict legal action is routinely taken against any member found guilty of irregularities.