Betagi (Barguna) Correspondent

BNP has made publicity by miking in Betagi, Barguna to warn drug dealers and extortionists. The campaign was carried out in seven unions of the upazila, including the municipal town, on Tuesday.

Local residents say the issue is positive. However, many also say that the party leaders and workers have failed to control it.

They said that silent extortion has been going on in the area for quite some time by defaming the names of BNP and various leaders. BNP has made its position on extortion clear by miking. Now, they demand that the local administration take strict action against the extortionists.

It is learned that since the fall of the Awami League government in the student-public movement, drug dealers and unscrupulous people have been harassing people in Betagi upazila under the guise of politics, threatening them with lawsuits and attacks. Even money is being transacted directly or through mobile banking in the name of various lobbying and arbitration-trade.

Therefore, the Upazila BNP decided to use miking to make the public aware of drug dealers, extortionists and litigants. Along with this, the public was also informed to seek police cooperation.

When asked, Upazila BNP Convener Md. Humayun Kabir Mallick said, "Betagi Upazila and Municipal BNP have taken this initiative to create awareness among the public as for several months, a group has been trying to extort money by intimidating people under different names and identities. Upazila and Municipal BNP are in no way involved in this and do not support these activities."

Betagi Police Station OC Md. Moniruzzaman said, if any complaint is received from the public regarding extortion, action will be taken according to the law.