Noakhali Correspondent

Three individuals, Faruk, Azad and Shahparan, have been accused of assaulting, torturing and demanding extortion with weapons to kill Italian expatriate Md. Solayman in Chatkhil, Noakhali. The victim's family has alleged that they are members of a human trafficking ring. The family has held a press conference demanding the arrest and trial of the accused in this incident.

The press conference was held at his home in Shankur village of Khilpara union of the upazila on Friday  morning.

At the press conference, Solaiman's wife Jannatul Ferdous alleged that her husband was held hostage in Libya in 2023 by a local Azad. Shahparan, along with his associates, a member of a human trafficking gang, and tortured him in Libya. At that time, 2.5 million taka was collected from him in several stages. The police have already arrested an accused named Azad in a case filed in this incident.

She further alleged that Solaiman later returned to the country last month after going to Italy through another means. After returning to the country, she was attacked and tortured at gunpoint in front of the Yubaratna Club in Khilpara Bazar of the upazila on the evening of August 29. At that time, her husband's gold chain and cash were snatched and extortion was demanded. After that, her husband left the country and went to Italy fearing for his life. Currently, the family members are suffering from insecurity.

At the press conference, the victim's family members demanded a fair investigation into the incident, the arrest of the accused, and exemplary justice. They also sought the intervention of the administration to ensure the safety of the family.

The victim's sister, Mobashara Begum Sohagi, and daughter, Nabila Sultana Noba, were present at the time.

Despite several attempts to contact Shahparan on his mobile phone to inquire about the allegations, the connection was not available. As a result, it was not possible to get his statement on the matter.

Chatkhil Police Station OC  Md. Abdul Monnaf said that a case has been registered under the Human Trafficking Act for the attack on an expatriate, extortion demand and collection of money by detaining him abroad in 2023. One of the accused in the case has been arrested. Four accused are on bail from the High Court. Another accused is in hiding. Further legal action will be taken after investigation.