Factory vandalised, goods looted in Rupganj over ‘extortion refusal’

A manufacturing factory in Rupganj Upazila of Narayanganj was allegedly vandalized and looted after its owner refused to pay extortion money, triggering concern among local business operators.

The incident took place on 17 February at BLO Wire Nail Industries in Noagaon village, a GI wire manufacturing factory owned by physically challenged entrepreneur Monowar Hossain, also known as Opu (43). Established in 2020 on 10.5 decimals of land, the factory exports products to 12 countries, including Switzerland and Germany, and operates with financing support from Bangladesh Krishi Bank.

According to factory manager Oliullah Khan, a group of attackers stormed the premises, assaulted workers, carried out extensive vandalism, and brought trucks to loot machinery and raw materials. Production at the factory remained suspended for two days following the attack and later resumed on a limited scale under industrial police protection.

Factory authorities allege that local activists, using the name of Rupganj upazila president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Mahfuzur Rahman Humayun, demanded Tk 10 lakh as a one-time payment along with Tk100,000 per month. When the owner refused, the attack was allegedly carried out.

Workers and local residents, speaking anonymously, said manager Oliullah Khan was beaten and employee Julhas Uddin was injured while trying to intervene. Both were later admitted to Rupganj Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

The factory claims that CCTV cameras were smashed, furniture damaged, and goods worth approximately Tk 16.6 million, along with cash, were looted. A case has been filed naming nine individuals and 15–20 unidentified persons as accused. Rupganj BNP vice-president Belayet Akon has been made the prime accused in the case.

Monowar Hossain further alleged that when he attempted to file the case, police declined to accept it unless Mahfuzur Rahman’s name was removed. He later filed the complaint without naming him. However, Officer-in-Charge Md. Sabzel Hossain of Rupganj Police Station denied the allegation, saying he only advised that the complaint reflect factual details and did not ask for any specific name to be excluded.

Mahfuzur Rahman also denied any involvement, stating that he does not know the factory owner and was never informed of any extortion demands. He said he sent representatives to inquire about the matter after receiving a call from the police station and later learned that they had been named in the case.

The factory owner has also alleged receiving threats to withdraw the case. No arrests have been made so far, police said, adding that investigations are ongoing and the case may be transferred to another agency.

Commenting on the matter, Narayanganj district BNP president Mamun Mahmud said that if the allegations prove true, they would constitute a criminal offense, and the party would not shield anyone involved, regardless of their political position.