Businessman Abducted for Ransom in Sujanagar

A local grocery trader in Sujanagar, Pabna, has reportedly been abducted and assaulted, with his captors demanding a ransom for his release, sparking fear and outrage among the town’s business community.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening (1 March) when Md. Ripon Hossain, a small-scale trader, went to his oil warehouse adjacent to Nandita Cinema Hall Market in Sujanagar to collect stock. According to reports, a group of four to five individuals, led by Md. Sabuj Hossain, forcibly seized him. The abductors assaulted Ripon, dragged him onto a motorcycle, and took him to an abandoned area behind Sujanagar Women’s Degree College. During the abduction, they also snatched BDT 10,000 in cash that Ripon had with him.

The kidnappers subsequently contacted Ripon’s father, Siddiq Pramanik, via the mobile number 01752-062596 and demanded a ransom of BDT 50,000. In a bid to secure his son’s release, Siddiq paid BDT 10,000. The abductors then released Ripon around 9:00 pm the same night.

Ripon Hossain lodged a formal complaint with Sujanagar Police, naming Sabuj Hossain—son of the late Kasim Uddin of Bhabanipur Purbo Para in Ward 2 of Sujanagar Municipality—alongside four or five unidentified individuals as perpetrators. The police have confirmed that the matter is under active investigation.

The incident has caused widespread apprehension among local merchants, who have voiced concerns about safety in the municipal market. Ripon has demanded the arrest of all involved and urged law enforcement to take exemplary action.

Pabna’s Assistant Superintendent of Police (Sujanagar Circle), Sadik Ahmed, stated that the police are carefully monitoring the case and will take appropriate legal measures after completing their investigation. Attempts to contact the primary suspect, Sabuj Hossain, were unsuccessful as his phone was found switched off.

Key Details of the Abduction

This alarming episode highlights rising concerns over public safety in Sujanagar, prompting calls from the business community for increased policing and stringent action against criminal elements.