A political storm is brewing in Rajshahi following the circulation of an alleged list of extortionists, reportedly containing names of leaders and activists from various political parties, particularly BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.
The list has been widely shared on WhatsApp over the past two weeks and has reached journalists and political activists alike.
Although the origin of the list remains unverified, a BNP leader has claimed that it was prepared by the police. However, law enforcement has not officially confirmed this.
The issue gained momentum after a case was filed at Rajshahi’s Boalia Police Station on July 23 by a developer named Mostafizur Rahman. He alleged that a group demanded Tk 200,000 from him as extortion. The case named 36 individuals, 18 of whom are also on the controversial list.
The list details the alleged extortionists’ full addresses, political affiliations, phone numbers, and the sources from which they allegedly collect extortion. It also notes whether they are currently active. The list covers 10 of the 12 police station areas under Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP), with the highest numbers coming from Boalia (22), Rajpara (16), Shah Makhdum (16), and Chandrima (14).
The list does not carry any official seal or signature, but it identifies notorious figures such as "Patu Babu" and "Cocktail Murad" as involved in crimes like drug dealing, mugging, and extortion. Both individuals have already been arrested—Patu Babu on July 7 and Murad on July 21.
Other names on the list include Emdadul Haque Limon, Aminul Islam Rigen, SM Sultan, Ariful Sheikh Boni, Mominul Islam Milu, Jim, Dalim, Tipu, Liton, Tuhin, Nasir, Mizan, Zafar Iman Dipto, Shamsul Hossain Milu, Sanowar Hossain, and Shawon—many of whom are affiliated with BNP and its associated organizations.
Several of them have expressed strong resentment over the inclusion of their names and claim innocence.
In response, the Rajshahi district and city BNP units held a press conference on July 26. Speaking there, Shamsul Hossain Milu, president of Boalia (West) Thana BNP and an accused in the extortion case, claimed that the list was indeed prepared by police officials.
He further alleged that the document bears the signature of the Officer-in-Charge of Boalia Police Station and accused the administration of political conspiracy.
Emdadul Haque Limon, member secretary of the Rajshahi Government City College Chhatra Dal, also denied involvement and said that both guilty and innocent individuals have been named.
He stated that he approached the Deputy Commissioner of RMP’s Counter Terrorism and Intelligence Division to demand a reinvestigation.
When asked about the list, RMP Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Gaziur Rahman told the media, “I am not aware of this specific list.
However, such lists of criminals and extortionists are often prepared by various intelligence agencies and later verified by police. We have a responsibility to act based on verified data. It could be one of those."
He added, “We must arrest those involved in extortion and crime, regardless of political affiliation. Public frustration over such issues has been long-standing, and it`s our duty to ensure that people don’t have to take to the streets again. Known extortionists won’t be spared—no matter their party identity.”
