Betagi (Barguna) Correspondent

Widespread allegations of extortion, threats, intimidation, and committee-related business dealings have been alleged  against Md. Nesar Uddin Khan, Joint Convener of the Upazila BNP and Convener of the Upazila Swechchhasebak Dal in Betagi, Barguna.

 These accusations have led to legal cases, human chain protests, and party-issued show-cause notices. To mask his alleged misconduct, Nesar Khan has recently established an organization named  Upazila Press Club.

According to complaints from victims, after the fall of the Awami League government due to the student-public movement, Nesar Uddin Khan, along with his associate Mintu Howlader and party cadres, have  been conducting motorcycle rallies in different areas of the upazila, creating panic among locals. His extortion activities are reportedly ongoing through various tactics. Targeting several minority Hindu families, he allegedly extorts money by instilling fear. Those who refuse are assaulted and harassed in various ways.

Md. Khokon Howlader, a listed lessee of the Betagi municipal tempo stand and owner of Touhid Store at the bus stand, stated that on March 4, Nesar Khan and his associates stormed his shop, hurled abuse at him, and demanded a bribe of two lakh taka, threatening not to allow the implementation of the tempo stand lease.

Khokon further alleged that due to his refusal to pay, on April 14, Nesar Khan began collecting illegal municipal tolls using fake receipts on the road adjacent to the Betagi bus stand.

 Upon reporting this to the municipal administrator and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), an order was given to halt the collection. However, Nesar Khan defied the UNO’s directive and continued his unlawful activities.

 Consequently, Khokon Howlader filed a case in Barguna Speedy Trial Tribunal against Nesar Uddin Khan and two others—Shah Jamal Mintu Akon, Joint Convener of Municipal BNP, and Mintu Howlader, Joint Convener of Municipal Jubo Dal. Police arrested Shah Jamal Mintu Akon on the night of April 22 and sent him to court.

According to party sources, on April 24, following instructions from Md. Rajibul Islam Sohel, Convener of the District Swechchhasebak Dal, and Md. Fayzul Malek Sojib, Member Secretary, department official Md. Yassir Rahman Shoaib issued a notice asking Nesar Uddin Khan to appear in person at the Barguna district office within 48 hours to explain why organizational action should not be taken against him for engaging in activities contrary to party discipline.

On April 14, locals, under the banner of "Concerned Citizens", held a human chain demanding an end to Nesar Khan’s alleged crimes and his prosecution. Speakers included Nasir Uddin Bishwas, Joint Convener of the Upazila BNP; Jasim Uddin, Convener of the Municipal Jubo Dal; Firoz Alam Swapon, Joint Convener of the Upazila Swechchhasebak Dal; Yunus Sikder, Joint Convener of the Upazila Sramik Dal; and former General Secretary of a BNP unit, Md. Sobhan. All strongly condemned the extortion and demanded justice.

Several leaders of Swechchhasebak Dal across the upazila's seven unions alleged that Nesar Khan, as Upazila Convener, has been extorting large sums of money under the pretext of forming union-level committees. One union convener, speaking anonymously, stated he had to pay Nesar Khan a hefty amount to get a committee. Many union leaders claimed they were also coerced into paying extortion money for various events.

Nesar Khan is also accused of targeting affluent Hindu families, demanding money through various manipulative tactics. Many, out of fear, secretly comply. Those who refuse face torture, false lawsuits, and are forced to pay to have their names cleared from such cases.

A local businessman, requesting anonymity, said, “Nesar demands regular extortion money from us. Without paying, it’s impossible to do business. Anyone who protests faces trouble. If anyone stands against him, their business or life is made difficult.”

Locals claim Nesar Khan recently formed a group called the Betagi Upazila Press Club to cover up his activities. Using this club’s banner, he allegedly conducts extortion under the guise of organizing events. Md. Khokon Howlader, the tempo stand lessee and Touhid Store owner, said, “I’ve been running my business at the bus stand for a long time, but since August 5, Nesar Uddin Khan has been illegally collecting extortion money from the traders there. Everyone is afraid of him. No one dares to protest.”

Md. Mosharraf Hossain, Joint Convener of the Upazila Jubo Dal, said, “Nesar Uddin Khan is using BNP’s name for extortion and threatening people. Since August 5, he has been extorting money from innocent Hindus through intimidation and bringing disrepute to the party. We demand his expulsion from the party.”

Md. Nasir Uddin Bishwas, Joint Convener of the Upazila BNP, said, “Nesar Khan is using his party position and personal gang to extort money from businesses and public offices, tarnishing the party’s image.”

Firoz Alam Swapon, Joint Convener of the Swechchhasebak Dal, added, “He is  printing fake receipts under the name of Touhid Store and collecting money illegally.”

Md. Golam Sarwar Riad Khan, Member Secretary of the Upazila BNP said,  the party will not be responsible for any wrongdoing done in BNP’s name. If any party-disruptive actions are committed, measures will be taken according to the party’s constitution.”

When asked, Nesar Uddin Khan denied all allegations, saying, these accusations are completely false and fabricated. A certain group is spreading propaganda out of jealousy over my popularity.