30 Kushtia families receive extortion letters in name of 'extremist group'

Highlights:

• Threat letters target families across three villages
• Payments demanded through specified bKash numbers
• Several families leave homes fearing attacks

At least 30 families in three villages of Kushtia's Mirpur Upazila have allegedly received extortion letters issued in the name of the Purbo Banglar Communist Party, prompting several families to leave their homes and police to step up surveillance in the area.

Residents of Putimari, Ishlamari and Bhedamari villages under Kursha Union said the letters demanded varying amounts of money and threatened harm to family members unless the payments were made within specified deadlines.

The letters also included bKash numbers for sending the money, residents said.
Several families have reportedly moved elsewhere for safety, while multiple general diaries (GDs) and complaints have been lodged with Mirpur Police Station.

The first reported incident occurred around two months ago when an unidentified person allegedly left a letter at the home of late Khokon Member in Putimari.

The letter, reportedly signed by someone claiming to be a regional leader of the Purbo Banglar Communist Party, demanded Tk2 lakh.

Khokon Member's wife, Rahima Begum, subsequently left the area and moved elsewhere, locals said.

Anwar Hossain, president of the Ishlamari village market committee, also received a similar letter. He said the sender identified himself as Jibon Jahan and claimed to be a leader of the organisation.

Locals said at least 12 people in Ishlamari and several families in Putimari and Bhedamari had received similar letters.

Kushtia district police spokesperson Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Faisal Mahmud told The Business Standard that police surveillance had been increased in the affected areas.

"Police are investigating whether the incidents are linked to any extremist organisation or whether someone is carrying out such activities to spread panic," he said. "The intelligence wing is also working on the matter."

He said police personnel in the areas concerned had been instructed to remain alert and take necessary measures to ensure public safety.

Police have not confirmed any active operation by an extremist organisation in the area.

Investigators are examining the letters, names and bKash numbers to identify those behind the demands and determine whether they are connected to an extremist organisation or are using its name to extort money.

The incidents have revived memories of extremist activity in Kushtia and other parts of southwestern Bangladesh during the 1980s and 1990s, when rural areas experienced killings, extortion and other forms of violence.

Police have advised residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Residents have urged the authorities to identify those responsible and ensure the safety of the families who received the threats.