BNP Leader accused of extortion, halts construction work in Bagerhat
However, the accused, BNP leader, denied the allegations and claimed the construction halted due to irregularities.
Allegations have surfaced against a local BNP leader of Morrelganj in Bagerhat for halting the construction of a madrasa building after reportedly demanding Tk2 lakh in extortion.
A written complaint has been submitted by the Contractor SM Badiuzzaman to Morrelganj Police Station in this regard, alleging that since the beginning of construction, a group of seven-eight people led by Hafizur Rahman, publicity secretary of Nishanbaria Union BNP, repeatedly obstructed the construction work and demanded Tk2 lakh as extortion.
Regarding this, Contractor SM Badiuzzaman claimed, "They were carrying out the work in compliance with all tender regulations. Md. Hafizur Rahman and his associates demanded extortion money. When we refused, they stopped the work and threatened our workers. We have submitted a written complaint to the police."
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However, the accused, Md Hafizur Rahman, denied the allegations and claimed, "The construction work was not being carried out transparently, and that's why, due to irregularities, the construction work has been halted."
While talking about the incident, Madrasa Principal Maulana Abdul Bari said, "The construction was proceeding according to regulations and the institution had no complaints regarding the work."
However, he acknowledged hearing that local individuals had demanded extortion money, prompting the contractor to suspend construction.
Morrelganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mahmudur Rahman confirmed that he had received a written complaint.
"Necessary action would be taken following an investigation," he added.
