Bogura NCP leader Mizanur sent to jail over extortion, embezzlement and assault

A Bogura court today (21 February) sent to jail Mizanur Rahman Sagar, joint member secretary of the Bogura district unit of the National Citizen Party (NCP), in a case filed over extortion, embezzlement and assault stemming from an alleged business dispute. 

Mizanur was arrested around 10pm yesterday in front of Jaleshwaritala Kali Temple in the town and produced before the court this afternoon.

Investigation Officer of Bogura Sadar Police Station Mahfuz Alam confirmed the matter, saying that Sagar was a fugitive accused under a warrant. 

He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the other accused.

Mizanur's party position was confirmed by district Senior Joint Member Secretary Ejaz Al Wasi Jim.Rubel Pramanik, an employee of a private company, filed the case with the Bogura Sadar Police Station on 30 August, alleging that he was assaulted and Mizanur and several others demanded extortion money from him.

Besides Mizanur, three others were named as accused, and 12 unidentified individuals were also included in the case.

According to the case statement and police, on the night of 30 August, Rubel was having tea at around 10pm at a tea stall near Bogura Government Azizul Haque College when Mizanur and four to five others allegedly arrived on motorcycles and forcibly took him away. 

He was allegedly beaten and demanded to pay Tk2 lakh as extortion. When he refused, he was reportedly assaulted with iron rods and sharp weapons.

At one point, Tk28,300 was taken from his bKash account and another Tk22,800 in cash was allegedly snatched from him. 

Locals later rescued Rubel after the accused allegedly threatened him before fleeing the scene.

Md Rigan Hossain, the district NCP joint secretary, said that the incident appears to stem from a business dispute involving local dominance.

The party has formed an investigation committee regarding Mizanur and will take organisational action if found guilty, he added.