‘Extortion Money’: Food official assaulted by ‘MP’s men for refusal to pay’

A government official of the food department was assaulted in Shaynalpara area in Natore's Bagatipara upazila allegedly by the men of the local ruling party lawmaker on Thursday night.

Sirajul Islam, officer-in-charge of Bagatipara Police Station, said the victim -- Rafiqul Islam, OC LSD of Lalpur upazila -- filed a case in this regard yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, police arrested two accused -- Mohammad Rasel, 35, and Mohammad Kalam, 34, in this connection.

The victim said he went to meet Natore-1 MP Shahidul Islam Bakul at his residence on Thursday as he was summoned over the phone.

"I discussed some official matters with the lawmaker and then he left the place," the victim said.

After the MP, the victim also tried to leave the residence but was barred by Rasel. He was forced to stay there till evening, he said.

While leaving the place in the evening, Rokon asked the victim to go to Lalpur with him, according to the victim.

On their way, the lawmaker's men demanded Tk 20 lakh and said the money would be required if the government official wanted to continue his career in the area, the victim alleged.

"As I expressed my inability to give them the money, they started beating me up," he said.

Contacted, Rabindra Lal Chakma, district controller of the food department in Natore, said Rafiqul did not inform his superiors about the incident.

"When a subordinate officer falls in any trouble, s/he should inform the superior authority," he said.

Asked about the allegation, MP Shahidul Islam Bakul said, "It is propaganda against me. Some of my political enemies are playing this to tarnish my image."