Rajshahi, Dec 11 (V7N) – Small business owners across Rajshahi city have raised serious allegations of daily extortion by multiple groups operating under the banner of political parties. Street vendors, van operators, and small shop owners, who depend on their businesses for livelihood, are reportedly the most affected. Local coaching centers, private institutions, and building owners are also facing regular demands for “protection money” as the groups divide the city into territories for daily collections.

Victims told reporters that filing complaints with the police is often futile. Extortionists frequently operate in front of police posts in groups, while officers reportedly ignore their activities. Many business owners, fearing retaliation, are approaching local BNP leaders instead of law enforcement to report the extortion.

Along major roads from Katkhali to Kashiadanga, thousands of street vendors operate daily, with several organized groups reportedly collecting protection money. A guava seller near Saheb Bazar Big Mosque said he previously paid Tk 20 to 50 per day to a local group, but after August 5 last year, four new groups led by a former councillor’s son have taken control of the area, demanding Tk 100 daily. He said non-payment often results in the removal of goods the following day.

A clothing market trader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said hundreds of street stalls from Zero Point to Sonadighi Mor have been set up by extortionists, diverting customers away from legitimate shops. Attempts to clear pavement stalls are reportedly obstructed by the extortion groups. A textile trader in New Market said political party affiliates divide areas into three zones and collect substantial sums by occupying footpaths and roads. Electricity connections are forcibly extended to pavement shops in exchange for thousands of taka.

In areas such as Railgate, extortion has become more aggressive. A vendor named Babu claimed that a group recently forced him to pay 800 taka. In Terkhadia wholesale vegetable market, daily payments have risen from Tk 10–20 to Tk 50–100 over the past year, with city corporation officials prevented from collecting tolls.

Some street vendors in the Seroil Bastuhara Para area stated that they have reported extortion not to the police, but to local BNP leaders due to fear of retaliation. They requested anonymity to avoid further harassment.

Mizanur Rahman Minu, advisor to the BNP chairperson and party candidate for Rajshahi-2, acknowledged the allegations, stating, “These claims are not entirely false. Many street vendors have informed me about extortion. If any party members are involved, appropriate action will be recommended.”

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson DC Gaziur Rahman confirmed that business owners have not officially reported complaints, but said that legal action can be taken secretly if names are kept confidential.

In July, a list of 123 alleged extortionists in Rajshahi city caused controversy in political circles. The list included 44 leaders and activists of BNP, Chhatra Dal, and affiliated organizations, 6 from Jamaat-e-Islami, 25 from the so-called “Patit Awami League,” and others identified as opportunists without political affiliation. Following the political shift on August 5 last year, the groups reportedly intensified extortion activities. Business owners complain that no legal action against the listed individuals has been taken, allowing extortionists to operate with increasing impunity.

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