Businessman killed for resisting extortion

Highlights

• Police have arrested 7 people, suspecting their involvement
• Local people burned a car, protesting the killing
• A case has yet to be filed over the issue

A businessman was shot and killed by an alleged extortionist, in Dakshinkhan area of Uttara, in the capital on Wednesday.

The victim, Abdur Rashid, son of one Abdul Malek, used to be involved in the cement and sand business.  

According to sources, Aminul Islam Hannan from Ainushbagh area in Dakshinkhan demanded Tk1 lakh from businessman Mahmudul Hassan Sujon, but the latter did not agree to give the money.

Sujon's cousin Abdur Rashid then went to Hannan's house in order to mediate the issue. But Hannan became agitated after not getting the extortion money, and shot Rashid, claimed local sources.

The incident took place at Ainushbagh area around 11:30am, said Shahidullah, deputy commissioner of Uttara Division of Dhaka Metropolitan police.

He said, "Allegedly over an old enmity, Hannan shot him. Police have already arrested seven people, including Hannan, and seized firearms from his possession."

Meanwhile, angered by the incident, locals burned a car near the scene of the incident.

Sujon, a member of Dakshinkhan thana Awami League (AL), said that he traded a truck of sand with a construction site in Ainushbagh area. "Hannan was informed about the matter and demanded one lakh taka from me. He said that if I wanted to carry on business in the area, I had to pay the extortion money," he said.

"But Hannan's associates picked up the sand from the construction site after I refused to pay the money," Sujon continued, adding, "I spoke about this issue with my cousin Rashid who went to Hannan's house to resolve the issue. At a certain stage, Hannan shot Rashid."

According to local people and police sources, Hannan is an extortionist who used to introduce himself as an Awami League leader. Using this political power, he was involved in criminal activity. Earlier he went to Japan. He has different types of businesses and multi-storied buildings in Uttara area in the capital.

Azizul Hoque Rana, organising secretary of Awami League Dhaka North committee told the Business Standard that Hannan is not on any committee of the Awami League.

Dakshinkhan Police Station Inspector (investigation) Azizul Haque said, "Hannan shot two rounds of bullets at Rashid in front of his house in Ainusbagh area of Dakshinkhan in Uttara."

"Though the first bullet missed his target, the second one hit the victim in his head, leaving him critically injured. He died on the way to the hospital," the police inspector added.

Police visited the spot after the incident. The body was sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy.

Police sources said a case has yet to be filed over the issue.