Bagerhat, Apr 16 (V7N) – A retired army member, Sheikh Marufuzzaman, has publicly accused a local terrorist group of attempting to seize his land and extort money from him in the Radhaballav area of Bagerhat Sadar Upazila. Marufuzzaman, claiming that this group has been terrorizing the area for years through land grabbing, attacks, and extortion, held a press conference at the Bagerhat Press Club on Tuesday afternoon to seek justice.

"A local terrorist group has been accused of attempting to seize and extort land belonging to retired army member Sheikh Marufuzzaman in Radhaballav area of ​​Bagerhat Sadar Upazila. Over the past few years, the terrorist group has created panic in the area due to its seizure, attacks and extortion. The victim, Mekh Marufuzzaman, held a press conference at the Bagerhat Press Club on Tuesday afternoon, seeking redress for the incident," a Bagerhat Correspondent reported.

In a written statement read at the press conference, Sheikh Marufuzzaman detailed his purchase of 8.85 percent of land in Radhaballav Mouza on February 26, 2017, using his 24 years of service savings. He entrusted the land's care to a tenant, Aklima Begum, and her husband, Md. Mahbub Sheikh (Sahed). However, on April 27, 2018, their neighbor, Md. Israfil Hawlader (40), and his associates allegedly destroyed 150 saplings and broke the fence on Marufuzzaman's property, causing an estimated loss of Tk 45,000. While a police complaint was initially filed, the matter was reportedly settled locally.

"In a written statement at the press conference, he said, 'I purchased 8.85 percent of the land of Radhaballav Mouza on February 26, 2017... But on April 27, 2018, neighbor Md. Israfil Hawlader (40) and his associates cut and destroyed 150 saplings of my land and broke the fence, causing a loss of about Tk 45,000. Later, when I complained to the police station, the matter was settled locally,'" Marufuzzaman stated.

The retired army member further alleged that on February 1, 2020, Israfil Hawlader, along with 10-15 other individuals described as terrorists, attacked Aklima Begum, issued death threats, and demanded ownership of the land. A general diary was filed at the Bagerhat Sadar Model Police Station in response. Subsequently, when Israfil Hawladar filed a case with the Karapara Union Parishad, the Parishad suggested correcting a stamp number on the property document. Following this, on February 18, 2020, Marufuzzaman filed a civil case (14/2020) with the Bagerhat 1st Joint District Judge Court, which remains pending.

"Then on February 1, 2020, Israfil Hawlader and 10-15 terrorists attacked Aklima Begum, threatened her with death and demanded ownership of the land. A general diary was filed in this regard at the Bagerhat Sadar Model Police Station. Later, when Israfil Hawladar filed a case with the Karapara Union Parishad, the Union Parishad suggested correcting the stamp number of the document. Then, on February 18, 2020, I filed a civil case (14/2020) with the Bagerhat 1st Joint District Judge Court, which is still pending," Marufuzzaman continued.

In a more recent incident, Marufuzzaman stated at the press conference that on the evening of April 12, 2025, Md. Shifat Sheikh, described as a "notorious drug and smuggler," along with 25-30 associates armed with sharp weapons and sticks, attacked Aklima Begum. They allegedly threatened to kill her and demanded a ransom of Tk 5 lakh from Marufuzzaman. While Aklima Begum survived the attack with the help of local residents, the alleged terrorists reportedly threatened to burn her house.

"He also said at the press conference that on the evening of April 12, 2025, Md. Shifat Sheikh (a notorious drug and smuggler) and 25-30 of his associates attacked Aklima Begum with sharp weapons and sticks. They threatened to kill her and demanded a ransom of Tk 5 lakh from Marufuzzaman. Later, Aklima survived with the help of local people, but the terrorists threatened to burn her house," the report detailed.

Faced with these alleged atrocities from the terrorist group purportedly led by Israfil Hawlader and Barek Sheikh, Sheikh Marufuzzaman has appealed to higher administrative authorities for intervention and protection.

"In such a situation, Marufuzzaman has sought the intervention of the higher authorities of the administration to escape the atrocities of the terrorist forces led by Israfil Hawlader and Barek Sheikh," the report concluded.

The allegations made by the retired army personnel highlight concerns about law and order and the safety of citizens in the Radhaballav area of Bagerhat. Authorities are expected to respond to these serious accusations and potentially launch an investigation.

END/MPS/RH/