BNP Leader Issues Dramatic Denial Over Extortion Claim

A senior Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader in Pabna’s Chatmohor upazila has strongly denied allegations of extortion against him, going so far as to declare that he would take his own life if the accusations were ever proven.

Razaul Karim Khokon, also known locally as Kazi Khokon and a former publicity secretary of the Chatmohor Upazila BNP, made the extraordinary statement during a press conference held on Saturday evening (28 March) at his private office in the Rail Bazar area of Chatmohor.

In an emotionally charged address, Khokon categorically rejected claims that he had demanded money from a local resident. He said he was prepared to face the harshest consequences if any evidence of wrongdoing was found.

“On matters of extortion, if there is any involvement of mine anywhere, if it is proven, then I will not only leave politics, I will commit suicide,” he told journalists.

The remarks come amid growing tension in the area following allegations made against him by a local man, which have sparked both political controversy and legal complaints.

Allegations from complainant

According to local sources, Harun-or-Rashid of Mohoromkhali village in the same upazila alleged that Khokon demanded extortion money from him on Friday evening (27 March) in the Rail Bazar area. He further claimed that he was assaulted when he refused to pay.

Harun later sought medical treatment at a hospital and subsequently submitted a written complaint to the local police station, also briefing journalists about the incident while under treatment.

He has accused Khokon of physical assault and intimidation, allegations which have now become the subject of an ongoing local dispute.

Khokon’s response and counter-allegations

Rejecting all accusations, Khokon insisted that the allegations were politically motivated and part of a conspiracy to damage his reputation.

He stated that he has taken a firm stance against drug-related activities in his area, claiming that his actions against alleged narcotics traders had led to retaliation.

According to Khokon, Harun is involved in drug dealing and human trafficking-related activities, a claim he said is widely known in the locality. He also alleged that another individual, referred to as “Dollar”, had been defrauded of money by Harun under the pretext of arranging overseas employment.

He claimed that Harun had taken Tk 50,000 from the young man with promises of sending him abroad but failed to deliver and later issued threats when asked to return the money.

Khokon further stated that after being informed of the dispute, he called Harun and instructed him to return the money. He admitted that a confrontation followed, during which Harun was physically reprimanded before being handed over to local mediators, who allegedly attempted to resolve the matter.

He alleged that the extortion accusation was later fabricated with the involvement of certain political opponents within his own party.

Summary of key claims

Political dimension and local reaction

Khokon linked the controversy to his alleged anti-narcotics stance, claiming that his efforts to resist drug distribution networks in the area had made him a target of false accusations. He urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into both the extortion allegation and the complainant’s background.

“I request the administration and journalists to investigate properly. If I am guilty, I accept the consequences,” he said, reiterating his earlier vow.

He also challenged Harun to provide evidence in support of his claims, while calling for scrutiny of alleged drug-related activities in the area.

Presence at press conference

Several local BNP figures were present during the press briefing, including Abdul Quddus Alo, joint secretary of the Chatmohor Upazila Jubo Dal, Toafazzal Hossain Mondal of Mulgram Union BNP, former vice-president Mizanur Rahman Thantu, and former joint secretary Nazrul Islam Molla, among others.

Ongoing uncertainty

The incident has triggered local political debate in Chatmohor, with conflicting narratives emerging from both sides. While the complainant maintains that he was assaulted and subjected to extortion, Khokon insists he is the victim of a politically motivated smear campaign.

Police have yet to issue a formal conclusion on the matter, and investigations are reportedly ongoing as authorities assess the competing claims.