Uproar in Rajshahi Over List of 123 Alleged Extortionists, Including 50 from BNP and Jamaat

A list naming 123 alleged extortionists has caused a stir in Rajshahi's political circles over the past few days. The list includes individuals associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Awami League, and Jamaat-e-Islami. It identifies 44 individuals linked to BNP, its student wing Chhatra Dal, and affiliated organizations, 25 from Awami League, and 6 from Jamaat. The remaining names lack political affiliations and are labeled as opportunists.

Of those listed, 18 are implicated in a recent extortion case filed by a housing businessman, with leaders from Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal named as primary accused. In response, they organized press conferences and human chains to protest the allegations.

The origin of the list—whether compiled by the police or another government agency—remains unconfirmed. A BNP leader claimed in a press conference that the police prepared it, citing a signature on the document, though no such signature appears on the circulating list.

When contacted, Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson Additional Deputy Commissioner Md. Gaziur Rahman told Prothom Alo on Monday morning that various government agencies compile such lists. He had not seen the document and could not comment definitively. He emphasized that if the individuals are indeed extortionists, action should be taken. “As media personnel, you should assist the police with information about them. The public took to the streets to change this situation, and that must happen. Even BNP’s top leadership does not support extortionists,” he added.

The list alleges that a Chhatra Dal leader extorted money from coaching centers and intimidated Awami League supporters with legal threats post-August 5. A BNP joint convener is accused of similar tactics, while another BNP member allegedly collects extortion from footpaths in Boalia Thana and operates a bicycle garage at Bhubanmohan Park. A Jamaat member, labeled a “cadre,” is accused of land grabbing, intimidating media personnel, and obstructing development projects to extort money. Similar charges are leveled against other Jamaat members, with one also accused of drug trafficking.

Islam also expressed concern about administrative officials, accusing them of promoting authoritarianism through such lists. He claimed some officials, previously aligned with Awami League, are now posing as reformists.

He discussed the issue with the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner, who cited call records as evidence, to which Islam urged further investigation.

An individual previously with Awami League but now affiliated with BNP is accused of wielding local weapons, extorting money on streets at night, and targeting under-construction buildings.

Shafiqul Islam, former general secretary of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP and relief and rehabilitation secretary of its central executive committee, told Prothom Alo he was shocked by the list. He suspects it is motivated by ulterior motives, possibly targeting specific individuals. While acknowledging that a few may be involved, he criticized the blanket inclusion of names. He suggested identifying real extortionists by examining who filed mass lawsuits against Awami League members after August 5, often implicating hundreds despite only a few being involved. He stressed that filing cases against actual offenders is not a crime.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Jamaat Secretary Emaj Uddin Mondal told Prothom Alo that those named have been completely ostracized by the organization, with leaders instructed to avoid contact. However, he noted that some might exploit opportunities to pose for photos and gain publicity.