Kaliganj: An assistant youth development officer has urgently sought protection for himself and his family, asserting that a former local BNP leader has forced him out of his home and is detaining his mother and younger brother over unpaid extortion demands. According to United News of Bangladesh, Taherul Islam, currently serving as the Kaliganj Upazila assistant youth development officer, made these allegations public at a press conference held at the Kaliganj Upazila Press Club. Islam, who hails from Charitabari village in Aditmari upazila, claims that the ordeal began after he purchased 25 decimals of land from his maternal aunt in October 2024. Following the land purchase, Nur Alam, a former joint secretary of Kamala Bari Union BNP, allegedly began demanding Tk 2 lakh in extortion money and repeatedly threatened Islam during his daily commutes. Islam recounted how he fled to a rented house in Kaliganj after receiving a 24-hour death threat on June 26. The situation worsened when Alam reportedly blocked and assaulted him on July 23, resulting in a broken leg, during an attempted visit to his parents. Tensions further escalated on August 26 when Alam and his associates allegedly raided Islam's family home. Though they did not find Islam, they reportedly attacked his elderly father. In a frantic response, Islam's sister contacted the national emergency helpline 999. However, while trying to take their injured father to a hospital, she and her 6-month-old son were also reportedly assaulted by the attackers. Police eventually intervened, escorting the injured family members to Aditmari Upazila Health Complex. Despite lodging a formal complaint, Islam alleges that his mother and younger brother remain captive in their home, surrounded by Alam's men. Islam claims that the administration's inaction stems from Alam's brothers holding influential positions in the BNP, Awami League, and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Nazmus Sakib Sajib, the Officer-in-Charge of Aditmari Police Station, commented on the situation, stat ing, "There are many officers at the station, and I do not know who went there." He further added, "I do not believe he was driven from his home; he may be staying at his workplace due to his job. However, we will investigate and register a case if the complainant visits the station."
