Gofran Biswas Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)

The incidents of terrorism, extortion, robbery, encroachment, attacks and threats to life are increasing due to the inaction of the law enforcement agencies in Kalapara of Patuakhali.

Concern and apprehension have arisen among the public as the accused have not been arrested despite reporting the matter to the police station. The locals fear that the law and order situation will worsen.

Since the fall of the government in the anti-discrimination student movement on August 5, such a situation has been created throughout the upazila. Besides, as not a single illegal weapon has been found in the hands of known terrorists, there is no end to the fear of common people. However, the BNP leaders are vowing to stand by the people in this situation. And on behalf of the Islamic movement, the call to stop looting, extortion, occupation, oppression, and terrorism has been made repeatedly.

According to local sources, robbery at lawyer Nuruzzaman's house in Madinabagh area of Kalapara town, robbery at Shamima Parveen's house, robbery at Moshiur Rahman Litu's house in Badurtali area, armed robbery at hotel owner Manik Mia's house in Kuakata tourist town area, robbery at Jamaat leader Maulana Habib's house.

In the last few weeks, there have been numerous cases of theft and robbery in the upazila. In these incidents, the Thana police visited the scene. The victims have also lodged a complaint with the police to seek redressal. However, till now the Thana police could not recover the looted goods or arrest anyone.

The source also said that after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, at least half a hundred people were victims of terrorist attacks in Kalapara. Incidents of house-to-house attacks and arson have also occurred. Many have been cut and injured. There have been several incidents of torture of minors including silent extortion.

Many people's representatives have been hospitalized and treated as victims of terrorist attacks. Many have fled the area fearing lawsuits and attacks. Even after coming to the court and being subjected to demands for extortion of 5 lakh taka, a plaintiff named Alam Hawladar stayed in the save shelter in the court till evening for fear of terrorist attack. Notifying the court or police station did not result. Finally, with the intervention of a senior BNP leader, Alam Howladar was released from the court premises and left the area.

Meanwhile, in the ongoing situation, the statement of Mufti Habibur Rahman, the senior leader of the Islamic Movement of Bangladesh, has spread through social media.

Mufti Habibur Rahman said that after August 5, some leaders and workers of BNP occupied the land, occupied the perimeter, looted houses, occupied bus counters, occupied Kheya Ghat, vandalized business establishments, fought, snatched crores of tak from businessmen, which is appropriate. He claims to have proof.

However, these allegations have been denied by BNP. It has been claimed that no leader-activist of BNP is involved in these incidents. Even the leader of the Sechasebok Dal Eliach Mridha, Masum Billah Ridoy, Juba Dal's activists Md. Hafizur Rahman Pintu Gazi, Md. Riyaz Mridha, Md. Zahirul Islam Mridha, Md. Mahbub Fakir has been suspended from party post over disobey party rule.