Businessman Assaulted Over Pahela Baishakh Extortion Demands

A businessman in Patuakhali was reportedly assaulted and sustained sharp-force injuries on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, after allegedly refusing to pay extortion money. The victim, identified as 44-year-old Khokon Mollick, has accused local leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Matsyajibi Dal of orchestrating the attack at his place of business.

Incident Overview and Assault Details

The incident occurred at approximately 12:00 pm within the District Police Club Market, a commercial facility owned by the district police located adjacent to the Patuakhali Sadar Police Station. Mr Mollick, who rents a shop in the market for his poultry business, was present at the premises when the assault took place.

According to the victim’s testimony, Babul Gazi (45), the Joint General Secretary of the District Matsyajibi Dal, and Shamim (38), the Joint General Secretary of the Sadar Upazila unit of the same organisation, had been demanding 500,000 BDT for “Pahela Baishakh celebrations.” Following a repeated demand via telephone on Tuesday morning, which Mr Mollick refused, a group of 10 to 12 individuals allegedly raided the shop.

During the ensuing violence, the shop was vandalised. Mr Mollick reported being subjected to physical battery, including punches and kicks. He further alleged that Babul Gazi used a cleaver (chapatti) to strike his hand, causing a deep wound. The victim was subsequently admitted to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital for treatment.

History of Alleged Extortion

Mr Mollick claimed that this was not an isolated event. He stated that the same individuals had previously targeted his pharmacy in the Municipal New Market on the afternoon of 5 August 2024. According to his account, he has been coerced into paying between 700,000 and 800,000 BDT over the past two years under the guise of political programmes or personal requirements. He noted that he had previously complied with these demands in secrecy to ensure the safety of his family.

Responses from Accused and Authorities

Babul Gazi has categorically denied the allegations of extortion and targeted assault. He contended that Mr Mollick was an associate of the former autocratic regime and had been selling deceased poultry in the market. Mr Gazi claimed that a confrontation occurred only after they protested these alleged unethical business practices, asserting that Mr Mollick was the initial aggressor.

Md. Moniruzzaman, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station, confirmed that police personnel were dispatched to the scene upon receiving reports of the disturbance.

As of Tuesday night, the police stated that a formal written complaint had yet to be filed by the victim. The OC assured that necessary legal measures would be pursued against the perpetrators once an official complaint is received and the investigation progresses.