Jubo Dal leader, associates forcibly closed poor woman's shop in Kushtia
Md. Belal Hossain, Kushtia
An allegation has been raised against a local Jubo Dal leader and several influential individuals for forcibly shutting down a grocery and tea shop owned by an underprivileged woman in Gor-er Para village under Daulatpur upazila, Kushtia.
The closure of the shop—the sole source of income for victim Rasheda Begum’s family—has left her facing severe financial hardship. Rasheda alleged that local influential figures, including Kamal, Babu, and Abdul, forced her to shut down the business, leaving her unable to support her family. "Since it was closed, we have been struggling to survive. I want my shop reopened and legal action taken against those responsible," she said.
Attempts to reach Kamal and Babu by phone were unsuccessful as their mobiles were switched off. When contacted, accused Abdul claimed the shop was closed because "Babu was beaten," but offered no further explanation.
Local residents stated that the accused wield significant influence in the area, creating an atmosphere of fear where locals face intimidation, extortion, and threats for protesting. Rasheda Begum has appealed to the relevant authorities for an immediate investigation, the reopening of her shop, and necessary legal action against the perpetrators.
