Extortion Rampant Across the Country

“You are a big businessman. You must give five crore taka. Otherwise, we will kill you and your family.” This was the death threat issued to a businessman from Pallabi in the capital as extortionists demanded money. When he refused, they shot him in the leg.

Since then, he has been living in extreme fear with his family. And he is not alone—since 5 August last year, silent extortion has been occurring repeatedly across Dhaka and the rest of the country.

A former director of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry told a news outlet that his factory is located in the Chattogram EPZ. After the political shift, he, too, was asked for a large amount of extortion money. Despite running his business for two decades and leading business organisations, he faced threats for refusing to comply. For eight months, he has also been subjected to character assassination on social media.

A well-known female entrepreneur in Chattogram reported that top gangster “Boro Sajjad” demanded one crore taka from her, and after she refused, issued repeated death threats. Her family is now living in deep anxiety.

A field visit on Sunday and Monday to Karwan Bazar, Gulistan, New Market, Mirpur, Jatrabari, Tejgaon, Uttara, Motijheel and several parts of Old Dhaka revealed widespread extortion on footpaths. Business owners said they are forced to pay 100 to 500 taka daily. A leader of the Hawkers Owners’ Association reported that huge sums are being extorted through intimidation every day.

From footpath vendors to senior political figures, many are struggling with the extortion crisis. Even during house construction, money must be paid. Most extortionists have political affiliations—some linked to old parties, some with emerging groups, and many using influential leaders’ names to commit extortion. This unlawful practice has now spread nationwide like a pandemic.

Victims allege that some influential political activists and party-affiliated individuals are heavily involved. Although the police occasionally arrest extortionists, the crimes persist. Even disciplinary actions by political parties have not deterred offenders.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said the police are actively working across the country to arrest those involved in extortion and have already detained many criminals.

Interim government adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed recently stated that political consensus is difficult, but “extortion consensus” is easy—when one group falls, another immediately takes its place. His remarks suggest that extortion has become a permanent component of the political economy.

According to a law-enforcement source, over the past months more than 2,325 extortion complaints have been reviewed nationwide; in most cases, local political actors or affiliated groups were found involved.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) data show there are more than 2,500 identified extortionists in the capital. District-wide updated lists across the country reveal over 1,000 identified extortionists per district.

Lists obtained by a news outlet show Pallabi Police have identified 66 extortionists, while Mohammadpur Police have listed 125. Across DMP, each police station maintains a list of 50 to 100 names.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali said extortion is a social problem that increases essential commodity prices and causes public suffering. A structured list is being prepared to take action.

According to Police Headquarters, more than 1,000 extortionists have been arrested in the past 10 months. Between 15 July and 17 August, 650 were arrested across eight divisions—371 of whom were newly involved. Most arrests occurred in Dhaka. In six months, 419 cases were filed with DMP, and over a hundred perpetrators were detained.

Analysts say the collapse of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024 created a vacuum in law enforcement, enabling new extortion groups to rise.

Police report that after the fall of the previous regime, old networks weakened, creating opportunities for new groups, while former offenders previously outside surveillance also became active again.

Major extortion hotspots include business establishments, transport, markets, housing, and labour organisations. Extortionists use political influence and local dominance to operate. Gang culture and certain leaders sheltered under professional organisations are also involved.

In the past 14 months, over 100 people have been murdered for refusing to pay extortion, including at least 20 in Dhaka. Areas such as Moghbazar, Motijheel, Badda and Gulshan show high gangster activity. The murder of BNP leader Kamrul Ahsan Sadhan in Badda and the killing of Arif Sikdar in Hatirjheel stemmed from extortion-related disputes.

A businessman from Pallabi lodged a written complaint, stating that a man named Jamilur threatened him repeatedly. Another business owner from Karwan Bazar said he deals in spices and has paid extortion several times since 5 August; now he is being asked for another lakh taka and is forced into hiding.

Truck drivers reported that extortion takes place at several checkpoints during transport. Speaking to over 200 people nationwide, reporters learned that silent extortion is occurring everywhere.

Intelligence officials have identified five key groups behind the extortion networks: political figures, a section of law-enforcement, self-interested factions within the administration, local terrorist groups and militias, and leaders sheltered under various professional organisations.

In Dhaka’s transport sector alone, around 2.25 crore taka is collected daily in the 53 terminals and stands. Monthly totals range from 60 to 80 crore taka. Nationwide, illegal transport extortion exceeds thousands of crores annually.

Drivers and helpers say that refusal to pay results in vehicles being seized, routes blocked or attacks. Local politicians, labour groups and some administrative elements are involved.

Almost all markets across the country experience daily extortion. Retailers and wholesalers report paying 50 to several hundred taka per shop; refusal results in blocked transport, restricted business or even assaults.

On 6 October, Tanzin Hamid Mitul, daughter-in-law of late BNP Secretary General Khondaker Delwar Hossain, filed an extortion case with Hatirjheel Police. The Officer-in-Charge, Mohammad Raju, said an investigation is underway.

On 20 October, the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA) held a human chain in Baridhara, protesting extortion and attacks on car showrooms. They warned they would stop registrations and revenue payments if this continues. Barvida President Abdul Haque said unknown callers have been demanding money since August, sending AK-47 images on WhatsApp to intimidate them, and 12 showrooms have been hit with crude bombs—yet no arrests have been made.

He added that business owners are living in constant fear.

RAB spokesperson AZM Intekhab Chowdhury said the force is actively working nationwide to apprehend extortionists.

Khaborwala/TSN