Union parishad in Jhalakathi locked for 8 days: Chairman alleges extortion demand by BNP leader

Dapdapia Union Parishad office in Jhalakathi's Nalchiti upazila has remained locked for eight days following an alleged extortion demand made by local BNP leaders, causing immense suffering to over 1 lakh residents.

Union Parishad Chairman Sohrab Hossain Babul Mridha alleged that Dapdapia union BNP President Najmul Ahsan Nantu Mallik and others demanded Tk10 lakh from him and threatened to kill him if he did not pay.

"They openly declared that if I do not pay, they will kill me on the road and burn down my house," he said.

Babul Mridha, who is also the president of the local Awami League unit, said that on 22 June, the accused and their associates held a procession with weapons, and on 23 June, they locked the Union Parishad office. "When locals objected, they were also threatened," he added.

The chairman filed a written complaint with the local administration and the Barishal Divisional Commissioner's office. However, he claimed no effective action has been taken so far. Since the threats, he has gone into hiding.

The accused in the complaint include Nantu Mallik, his brother Iqbal Mallik, and their associates Ripon Mallik, Ujjal Mallik, and Jasim Howlader.

However, denying the extortion allegation, Nantu Mallik said, "The public of the union has kept [the office] besieged. A chairman elected without votes, an accomplice of the fascist government—why should he remain?" 

Regarding extortion allegations, he said, "Quite impossible. Come and ask in my area, ask the administration, not a single pie [has been taken]. Not just him, no one can bring an allegation of [taking] even Tk1 against me after 5 August."

Union Parishad members and local residents have expressed concern over the disruption of services.

Ward Member Ayesha Akter Rina said, "BNP members have locked the office, halting public services."

Ward 3 Member Harun Khandaker added, "It is risky to even talk about these matters. Some local BNP members have jointly locked the office."

"Chairman Babul Mridha has worked for all, regardless of political affiliation. But now residents are suffering due to the closure and his absence," said Saleha Begum, a resident of the union.

Nalchiti upazila BNP President Anisur Rahman Helal Khan said, "To drive out fascists, some sacrifices have to be made. The matter is administrative, and I hope it will be resolved soon."

Nalchiti Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nazrul Islam stated, "I have not received any written complaint. I have heard verbally that some people locked the office. If a written complaint is submitted by any service seeker, action will be taken."

However, Barishal Divisional Commissioner's office confirmed that they have received Chairman Babul Mridha's written complaint.

Notably, On 22 June, BNP leaders also staged a demonstration blocking the Zero Point area of the Barishal-Patuakhali highway, demanding Babul Mridha's removal and arrest. The Union Parishad office was locked the next day