Leaked Audio: Jamaat Leader Allegedly Demands 50,000 Taka in Extortion

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader, Anisur Rahman, has been accused of demanding 50,000 taka from a businessman in Kurigram under the pretext of protecting him from a legal case. A leaked audio clip related to the incident has surfaced, obtained by a Kalbela correspondent.

Anisur Rahman is the president of the Rajibpur Upazila branch of the Workers' Welfare Federation, an affiliate of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. The victim, businessman Babu Mia, alleged that Anisur demanded the money by threatening him with a case filed in 2013 over the vandalism of a Jamaat-e-Islami office in Rajibpur. According to Babu Mia, Anisur claimed to be close to the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the local police station, intimidating him and promising protection from the case in exchange for the payment.

In the leaked audio, Anisur is heard saying, “Listen, Babu, the officer called me about your matter. I’m telling you, he’s like my younger brother; I’ll handle it. Meet me urgently… If even a hair of yours is harmed, I won’t show my face in Rajibpur the next day.” He further adds, “You’ll ride on my motorcycle. No force in the world can touch you, Inshallah. Stay relaxed. Say Alhamdulillah and drink two glasses of water. Your brother is by your side.” Babu Mia stated, “I’m not involved with any political party. I’ve been running a parts business in Rajibpur market for years. Now, I’m living in fear and insecurity.” In response, Anisur Rahman denied the allegations, claiming, “I didn’t ask him for any money. This is a planned conspiracy. The audio has been edited.” Regarding the 2013 case, he said, “He couldn’t have been an accused in that case because he wasn’t even of age at the time. The case was filed much later.” Kurigram district Jamaat Amir Abdul Matin Faruqi said, “We are aware of the matter. A probe committee has been formed, and action will be taken once the investigation report is received.” Rajibpur Police Station OC Sharif ul Islam, who recently joined the station, said, “No such complaint has been received during my tenure. If any such issue arises, action will be taken as per the law.”

The incident has sparked widespread discussion locally. The businessman has demanded security and justice, and the matter is now under scrutiny by both political and administrative authorities.