Ex-BNP MP Khaiyam held for 'extortion'

Former BNP lawmaker Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam was arrested in an extortion case in the city's Kakrail area yesterday evening, police said.
Earlier in the day, one Solaiman, a contractor at Daulatdia Ferry Ghat in Rajbari district, filed the case with Tejgaon Police Station against the pro-reformist leader and two of his relatives.
The plaintiff complained that Khaiyam demanded Tk 20 lakh in toll from him on July 1, 2005 for getting work order for the ferry ghat's parking yard, failing which the ex-MP threatened to obstruct his work.
Solaiman said he paid Khaiyam Tk 15 lakh through three Janata Bank cheques by June 2006.