Ripple in Rajshahi over ‘list of 123 extortionists’

Rajshahi is currently gripped by controversy following the emergence of a purported list of 123, which includes leaders and activists from various political parties such as the BNP, Jamaat and even the Awami League. 

The originators of the list remain unclear. 

It covers ten of the twelve police station areas under the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP), including 22 names from Boalia, 16 from Rajpara, 14 from Chandrima, 7 from Motihar, 16 from Shah Makhdum, 14 from the Airport area, and others from Pobar, Karnahar, Damkur, and Kashiadanga. Notably, the list lacks any official signatures. 

The list contains information like addresses based on police jurisdictions, political affiliations, mobile phone numbers, and the sectors from which extortion is allegedly collected, along with notes on current status. 

On 23 July,  a local developer filed a complaint with Boalia Police Station alleging an extortion demand of Tk2 lakh. The case names 36 individuals as accused, 18 of whom appear on the so-called  list. 

Following the filing of the case, the Rajshahi district and city BNP held a press conference on 26 July. There, Shamshul Hossain Milu, president of the Boalia (West) Police Station BNP, alleged that the case was filed "under the administration's prescription" and the document in question was prepared by the police. 

"Regarding the list of 123 persons, from what I have seen, it bears the signature of the officer-in-charge. I have proof — the signature of the OC of Boalia is on it. I have copies. The OC has conspired to create this." 

Ershad Ali Esha, convener of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP, condemned the list, saying, "Someone is trying to tarnish BNP's reputation by circulating this list. We demand a thorough and impartial investigation to verify its authenticity."

Gaziur Rahman, additional deputy commissioner (Media) of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, denied police involvement in producing such a list. 

"The police do not prepare such lists, nor do they allow any document to be leaked. However, other organisations do compile such lists, and it is unclear if this one was created by any such group. The police are currently verifying the matter. If anyone submits a specific complaint against an individual, we will take appropriate action," he said.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary Md Shahadat Hossain told TBS that among the six individuals listed as Jamaat members, only one currently holds a position in the party's committee. 

"There should not have been such allegations against him. Even so, we will look into the matter, and if anything is found, action will be taken," he said.

The Jamaat leader added that two other individuals were previously expelled, while the remaining three are not affiliated with the party. 

"Anyone using Jamaat's name to extort money has no place in this organisation. This is a clear directive from the Jamaat Ameer," he said.

Emaj Uddin Mondol, secretary of Rajshahi Metropolitan Jamaat, said, "Those named in the list have been completely boycotted by their organisation. Leaders have instructed that no one should associate with them. Yet, whenever possible, they still stand beside these individuals and take photos to publicise themselves."