Youth Leader Arrested for Extortion in Natore

In a dramatic turn of events in Natore, a local youth leader has been arrested for attempting to extort money in front of the local police station. Rakibur Rahman, popularly known as “Raja,” was taken into custody by the District Detective Branch (DB) on Saturday evening from Tuladhuna Bazaar in Gurudaspur Upazila. The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the victim, leaseholder Obaidul Islam, who filed a formal case of extortion at Gurudaspur Police Station.

According to police sources, the incident occurred last Thursday when Rahman, serving as Joint Convenor of the Nazirpur Union unit of the local youth political organisation, demanded five lakh taka from Obaidul Islam, who leases Tuladhuna Bazaar. Rahman allegedly threatened that if the money was not paid, he would physically assault and seriously injure the leaseholder. The demand was made in the presence of the local Station Officer (OC), who reminded Rahman of the sanctity of the Ramadan month and requested him to leave the scene.

The confrontation gained widespread attention after a local journalist broadcast it live on Facebook, quickly going viral. The incident drew criticism for the perceived delay in legal action against Rahman.

On Friday night, Obaidul Islam filed a General Diary (GD) at the police station formally accusing Rahman of extortion and intimidation. Following this, the youth leader was expelled from his organisation, with the district committee urging prompt legal action. The case was officially registered on Saturday evening, and the Detective Branch immediately arrested Rahman. He was later presented before the Gurudaspur Magistrate Court, which ordered him to be remanded in custody.

Gurudaspur Police Station Officer Shafiquzzaman Sarkar explained that the delay in filing the case occurred because the victim initially hesitated to press charges. However, once the case was lodged, law enforcement acted swiftly to apprehend the accused and bring him before the court.

Rahman had previously submitted a tender to lease Tuladhuna Bazaar. However, as his bid was lower than that of Obaidul Islam—who is a former Vice-President of the Gurudaspur Upazila Fishermen’s Association—he did not secure the lease.

Key Details of the Case

This arrest highlights ongoing concerns regarding political influence and law enforcement challenges in local marketplaces, with authorities now under pressure to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.