Extortion Attack Sparks Bombing, Fire in Madaripur

A violent extortion attempt in Madaripur has escalated into a terrifying attack on the home of a Bangladeshi expatriate, leaving the household traumatised and property looted. Allegations state that petrol was poured into the house and around fifty explosive devices were detonated to intimidate the family, who were also robbed of two lakh taka and gold ornaments.

The incident occurred on 28 February in Kalinagar village of Alinagar Union, Kalikini Upazila, Madaripur district. The victim, Saidur Rahman, is an expatriate whose family resides in the property.

According to the family, two local youths, Saiful Sardar and Taizul Sardar, had long been demanding five lakh taka in extortion from Farid Sardar, son of the expatriate owner. When Farid refused to pay, the youths reportedly attacked him with sharp weapons on 3 February near Fasiatala Market Auto Stand, leaving him injured. A case was filed at Kalikini Police Station on 7 February against the two men.

In apparent retaliation, on 28 February, the assailants allegedly set fire to the family home using petrol and detonated approximately fifty homemade bombs to create panic. They subsequently entered the house and stole two lakh taka in cash and gold jewellery from the family’s safe. Neighbours rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire.

A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “These men are notorious. They often demand money from villagers. Now they have attacked Farid’s home with fire and explosives because he refused to pay.”

The victim’s family expressed grave concern for their safety. Fahima Begum, Saidur Rahman’s wife, stated, “We want to live in safety. They have threatened to kill my son and us. We appeal to the authorities for protection.”

Farid Sardar added, “We cannot even go to the police or stay safely at home. My father is abroad, and my mother and sister live here with me. They have set our house on fire over extortion and taken our money. In a free country, if we cannot live safely, where else can we go? We demand justice against these criminals and protection from the government.”

Multiple attempts to contact Saiful Sardar via phone went unanswered.

Kalikini Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sohel Rana confirmed that the authorities are aware of the incident. “No written complaint has been filed yet. Once the complaint is lodged, we will investigate and take appropriate legal action,” he said.

Key Incident Details

The shocking attack underscores growing concerns over local extortion networks and raises urgent calls for heightened law enforcement intervention in Madaripur.