Cocktail Attack Targets Jute Mill Owner’s Home

In a chilling escalation of local extortion, the residence of Mohammad Ali, owner of Roman Jute Mill, in Nawapara village, Abhaynagar, was struck by a cocktail bomb on the early hours of Friday, 20 February. The attack, occurring at approximately 2:00 am, left the household shaken but, fortunately, no injuries were reported. Both the local police and personnel from the Abhaynagar Army Camp promptly arrived to assess the situation and secure evidence.

According to Rakibul Islam, the family had been under pressure from a known criminal syndicate demanding protection money for an extended period. “We had refused to comply with their demands,” he said, “and this attack appears to be a deliberate warning.” At the time of the explosion, the house was empty as Mohammad Ali was away in Dhaka, preventing any casualties.

Mohammad Ali’s nephew, Mohammad Sajib, described the incident: “I was woken by a loud bang in the middle of the night. Smoke was billowing from the house as I rushed outside.” Authorities later confirmed that remnants of the incendiary device, including wire fragments and red tape, were recovered from the site.

Abhaynagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (Investigation), Jahidul Islam, stated that the explosion was reported shortly after a memorial ceremony at the Shahid Minar earlier that evening. “Our officers arrived quickly, collected evidence of the cocktail attack, and initiated a formal investigation,” he said. Legal proceedings are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Local residents and business communities have expressed deep concern over the attack, warning that such incidents could undermine investor confidence and threaten industrial operations in the area. Security measures have been temporarily increased, with both police and army units patrolling the vicinity to deter further incidents.

Incident Summary

The authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant while investigations continue. Meanwhile, the jute mill owner’s family has appealed for swift action to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and to prevent future attacks in the industrial zone.

This incident marks a worrying rise in extortion-related violence targeting local entrepreneurs, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining law and order in Abhaynagar.