A former Jubadal leader of the Jatrabari unit of Jubo Dal, the Jubadal wing of BNP, has been expelled from the party following serious allegations of extortion and violence. The incident involves the vandalizing of buses at Jatrabari bus stand over an alleged demand for Tk 5 crore in extortion.
Party Expels Leader Over Criminal Allegations
Mushfiqur Rahman Fahim, the former vice president of Jatrabari Thana Jubo Dal under Dhaka South City, has been removed from all party positions, including his primary membership. The decision was made by Abdul Monayem Munna, President of the Jubo Dal Central Executive Committee, and Mohammad Nurul Islam Noyon, General Secretary.
The announcement was officially made on Saturday, July 12, in a press release signed by Minhajul Islam Bhuiyan, Assistant Office Secretary of the central Jubo Dal.
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No Tolerance for Misconduct: Jubo Dal Statement
The party stated that they will not take responsibility for any wrongdoing committed by expelled individuals. All party members have been directed to cut organizational ties with them.
The press release further added that if any former member is found using the party identity for illegal actions, the law enforcement agencies are strongly urged to take immediate legal action without delay.
Accusations: Bus Vandalism and Assault Over Tk 5 Crore Extortion
Mushfiqur Rahman Fahim is accused of demanding Tk 5 crore in extortion from Shariatpur Super Service Transport Company. When the company refused, their buses were attacked and damaged at the Jatrabari bus stand. Bus drivers and workers were also allegedly beaten up.
Transport Workers Hold Press Conference in Shariatpur
At 11:30 AM on Saturday, leaders from Shariatpur Road Transport Owners Group and Inter-district Transport Workers Union held a press conference at Shariatpur Bus Stand to speak about the incident.
Speakers included:
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Faruk Ahmed Talukdar, President of Shariatpur Road Transport Owners Group
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Faruk Chowkidar, President of Inter-district Road Transport Workers Union
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Other bus owners and transport workers were also present
“25 Buses Attacked in 2 Days,” Claims Workers’ Leader
During the press conference, Faruk Chowkidar said:
“Since Thursday, Fahim’s men have not allowed our buses to enter Jatrabari Stand. Whenever a bus goes in, his people attack with local weapons. In just two days, at least 25 of our buses have been vandalized, and several drivers and workers were injured. Fahim demanded either a one-time payment of Tk 5 crore or a monthly payment of Tk 10 lakh.”
Ongoing Extortion Since Padma Bridge Opened, Says Transport Owner
Faruk Ahmed Talukdar added that:
“After the Padma Bridge opened, we were finally able to run buses peacefully. But since August 5, this youth leader named Fahim from the Jatrabari area has been trying to take control of the stand and demand large sums of money. At first, we were giving him Tk 30,000 daily, but now he wants Tk 10 lakh per month or Tk 5 crore at once, which is impossible for us. We want justice from the authorities.”
Fahim Denies Charges, Claims He’s Being Framed
In response to the accusations, Fahim spoke over the phone and denied everything:
“We are running our own transport from Dhaka. They are trying to block our vehicles, stop our passengers, and create trouble. Now I’m being labeled as an extortionist. If I really demanded Tk 5 crore, there should be some proof. If I’ve done anything wrong, let the law decide.”
Source: Daily Janakantha
