Family attempts suicide over BNP leaders’ ‘extortion pressure’

Alleged extortion by local leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) drove a small hotel owner in the capital to attempt suicide along with his family.

The incident took place on Wednesday at a hotel in front of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police station.

The victim, Mohammad Alamgir, 46, was rescued by locals after he allegedly tried to set himself, his mother and his son on fire using kerosene following prolonged harassment and threats.

The primary accused are Zakir Hossain, 41, general secretary of Ward No. 28 BNP, and Md Liton Mahmud, 42, the ward president.

According to the case statement, Alamgir alleged that a group led by the two had been systematically extorting money from him to allow his business to operate. Initially, they demanded Tk150,000.

The harassment escalated on 30 March around 4pm when the accused allegedly confronted him at his hotel, verbally abused him and demanded Tk50,000 on the spot. Fearing harm, he handed over the money.

Before leaving, they allegedly issued death threats and warned of serious consequences if the remaining extortion money was not paid.

Locals said the accused also used a doctored photograph showing Alamgir with an Awami League leader to intimidate him.

They said sustained threats and pressure left Alamgir mentally distressed and pushed him to take the drastic step. Locals intervened and rescued the family before any fatal outcome. Speaking to the Daily Sun, Alamgir said he had been struggling to run his business. “Ambulance drivers from across the country eat at my hotel. Everyone knows me. I could not endure the pressure anymore.” He also alleged that the accused threatened him with an edited image falsely linking him to an Awami League leader. “They used that image to intimidate me, but it was fabricated.”

After being rescued, Alamgir filed a complaint with police.

Contacted, Zakir Hossain declined to comment over the phone and said he would speak in person with this correspondent. He was later arrested. Repeated attempts to reach Liton Mahmud remained unsuccessful.

Md Manirul Islam, officer-in-charge of the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police station, said, “Our investigation is ongoing. We hope to arrest the remaining accused soon.”