Extortion Allegations Against Family of Former BNP Secretary General Under Duress

Serious allegations have surfaced against a group of individuals accused of forcibly extorting money from the family of the late Khandaker Delwar Hossain, former Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The accused, identifying themselves as local Jubo Dal (BNP youth wing) activists, allegedly held the family hostage and demanded Tk 100,000 through intimidation.

According to the complaint filed, the terrified victims were coerced into withdrawing Tk 80,000 in cash from an ATM booth and signing a cheque for Tk 20,000 under duress.

Incident Overview

According to the written complaint lodged on Saturday with Hatirjheel Police Station, four young men — Shawon, Habib, Sajid, and Sani — arrived at the complainant’s residence on Friday night and demanded Tk 100,000.

Describing the incident, Tanzin Hamid Mitul said: “At around 10:35 p.m., my elder sister Sharmin Wadud Nipa phoned me, saying she urgently needed Tk 100,000. When I arrived at her home around 11:20 p.m., I found four young men present there. On questioning their presence, Shawon revealed a locally-made weapon from his waist and threatened me. They demanded Tk 100,000 from my sister.”

She further recounted:

“I asked them whether they knew who we were. They arrogantly replied, ‘Do you not understand the situation now? Do you know why we are here?’ Even after mentioning that we were family of the late Khandaker Delwar Hossain and Waliullah (Dablu), their behaviour became even more aggressive.”

Mitul stated that the assailants seized her mobile phone, prevented communication, and mistreated the children present in the house.

When she told them there was no cash at home, they forced her to withdraw money from a nearby booth.

At 11:57 p.m., she withdrew Tk 80,000 from the Moghbazar City Bank ATM booth and handed it over to Sani, also giving them a cheque for Tk 20,000 (no. 4103173).

The following night (Saturday, 12:20 a.m.), the accused allegedly returned to the residence, threatening to evict the family if the flat was not vacated by next month.

“They warned that if my sister and her children did not leave, they would be killed,” said Mitul.

Speaking to reporters, Hatirjheel Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Raju Dhaka confirmed: “We have received the complaint and an investigation is underway. CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify the suspects and verify their political affiliations. A formal case will be registered, and arrests will follow.”

Background: Khandaker Delwar Hossain