Noakhali Correspondent

A businessman from Debi Singpur village under Nabipur Union in Noakhali’s Senbagh upazila has alleged harassment and an attack on his residence, reportedly orchestrated with the support of Sub-Inspector (SI) Ibrahim Palash of the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), currently posted in Cumilla.

At a press conference held on Thursday  at the Euro Shopping Complex in Maijdee, district town, the victim, businessman and BNP leader Sheikh Ahmad, brought forward these allegations.

He claimed that on Monday, April 14, several individuals — including SI Palash’s nephews and one Salauddin — stole mangoes from his house. When his elder son protested the theft, a group of armed assailants led by Sohail (alleged ringleader of the helmet gang), Salauddin, and Sumon attacked their residence under the cover of night. The attackers were allegedly aided by SI Palash, who, according to Sheikh Ahmad, is Salauddin’s elder brother and closely linked to ruling party affiliates.

Sheikh Ahmad further alleged that SI Palash has amassed significant wealth by exploiting his position and using police influence for personal gain. “Following the attack, false cases were filed against my family at the behest of Palash. They even staged a fake human chain with outsiders, spreading misinformation on social media about my sons,” he added.

He also noted that Sohail is accused in an extortion case, while Sumon is named in a murder case. “Since August 5, they have rebranded themselves politically and have been persecuting families affiliated with BNP. One of my sons is a businessman in Kutuberhat Bazar, and the other is the president of Ward No. 7 Chhatra Dal in Nabipur. Our entire family is engaged in business. These Awami terrorists may attack us again at any time,” he warned.

He urged the Prime Minister’s advisor and the local law enforcement agencies to conduct a proper investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

When contacted for comment, SI Ibrahim Palash of Cumilla PBI denied all allegations, saying, “Please verify the facts locally first, then write what is true.”

Regarding the incident, Senbagh Police Station SI Krishno Mohon said, “The conflict began over mango picking. Upon receiving written complaints, we attempted to mediate the issue through a meeting between both parties. However, it ended without resolution. Legal steps will now follow.”