Alleged Extortion Leads to Roadside Seizure in Savar

In a troubling incident reported from the Radio Colony area of Savar, a former student leader has been accused of intimidation and the broad-daylight seizure of merchandise from roadside vendors. The allegations centre on Arman Hossain Babu, the former joint convener of the Dhaka District North Chhatra Dal, who reportedly targeted small-scale traders following their refusal to pay illegal tolls.

Details of the Incident

According to the victims, the confrontation occurred on Thursday, 19 February 2026, beneath the Radio Colony footbridge. The vendors, who earn their living selling green coconuts, claimed that Mr Babu arrived at approximately 11:00 am accompanied by a group of eight to ten associates. The group allegedly demanded an extortion payment, a practice locally known as "chanda."

When the vendors refused to comply, the situation quickly escalated. The traders allege they were subjected to verbal abuse before the group forcibly hauled away their wooden vending platform along with approximately 200 green coconuts.

The Climate of Local Extortion

Local micro-entrepreneurs, including tea stall owners and fishmongers, have voiced concerns regarding a systemic "protection tax" enforced by influential figures. Since the recent national elections, traders claim that Mr Babu has been aggressively vying for control over these illicit collections.

Defence and Political Repercussions

In his defence, Arman Hossain Babu has flatly denied the allegations of extortion. He maintains that the incident was merely a verbal dispute regarding public obstruction. He claimed that the vendors' stalls were protruding onto the highway, causing significant traffic congestion between the Radio Colony stand and the local petrol pump. "There was an argument regarding the traffic flow, but the claims of demanding money are entirely baseless," Mr Babu asserted.

However, fellow traders allege that Mr Babu frequently exploits his supposed proximity to Member of Parliament Dr Dewan Mohammad Salahuddin Babu to carry out various misdeeds, including narcotics trade and racketeering.

Responding to the controversy, Mahfuz Iqbal, the General Secretary of the Dhaka District North Chhatra Dal, noted that as Mr Babu is a former leader and no longer holds an active post, formal organisational disciplinary action is complex. He did, however, confirm that he would consult with the district president to determine an appropriate course of action to maintain the party's reputation.