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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Elections & Politics

Ward-level JCD president expelled over extortion allegations

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • A ward-level Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) president in Tongi, Bangladesh, has been expelled for allegedly demanding extortion money from a garment workers' union leader.
  • The expelled leader, Ratul Sikder Ami, reportedly threatened the victim and demanded Tk 8,000.
  • The victim filed a police complaint, leading to the registration of a case and the expulsion of another JCD leader for alleged drug abuse.

An audio recording has surfaced in Bangladesh allegedly capturing a ward-level president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) demanding extortion money and asserting control over local activities. The recording features the JCD leader, identified as Ratul Sikder Ami, reportedly stating, "This is my road. Even if Tarique Rahman comes here, no work will be done."

Following the incident, the Gazipur Metropolitan Chhatra Dal expelled Ami from his position in the 51st ward unit. The alleged victim, garment workers' union leader Md Mazharul Islam, filed a complaint at the Tongi West Police Station on Tuesday night, which has since been registered as a case.

This is my road. Even if Tarique Rahman comes here, no work will be done.

— Ratul Sikder AmiAllegedly said by the JCD leader in an audio recording demanding extortion money.

According to sources, Ami, along with associates, allegedly abducted, assaulted, and extorted money from Islam multiple times. Islam, the office secretary of the Bangladesh Garments Workers Trade Union Federation, operates an office in the Sataish area of Tongi, near Ami's residence. The case statement details a recent incident where Ami allegedly threatened Islam while demanding Tk 8,000.

Attempts to contact Ami were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off. Officer-in-Charge Md Arifur Rahman of Tongi West Police Station confirmed the receipt of the complaint. In a separate incident, Gazipur Metropolitan Chhatra Dal also expelled Kawsar Ahmed, the general secretary of the 41st ward unit, after a video emerged showing him allegedly abusing drugs in public. Gazipur Metropolitan Chhatra Dal President Rohanuzzaman Shukkur confirmed both expulsions.

I had no other option but to file a complaint with the police.

— Md Mazharul IslamThe garment workers' union leader explained his decision to report the extortion attempt to the authorities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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