Narsingdi railway station master files complaint against Jubo Dal leader for extortion

Allegations of extortion and harassment have been raised against Mahmud Hossain Chowdhury (Sumon), convener of the Narsingdi City Jubo Dal, at Narsingdi Railway Station.

Report claims that individuals were physically harassed for refusing to pay extortion money.

Abu Taher Mohammad Musa, station master of Narsingdi Railway Station, submitted a written complaint to the deputy commissioner this afternoon.

Confirming the receipt of the complaint, Narsingdi DC Mohammad Rashed Hossain Chowdhury said appropriate action would be taken following an investigation.

In the complaint, station master Musa alleged that Sumon and his associates have been intimidating railway officials and employees to extort large sums of money. They allegedly use the VIP room of the station for drug use and gambling while also misbehaving with passengers.

On February 21, at around 8:15pm, a group of assailants, allegedly led by Sumon, stormed the station office, assaulted the station master and staff, and issued death threats. The complaint further mentioned that the attackers were armed during the incident.

"We are living in insecurity due to harassment by Sumon and his men. They are disrupting our daily operations and harassing passengers. Sumon even assaulted one of our senior staff members," said Musa.

Sumon denied the allegations, saying, "The complainant is a friend of my elder brother, and I regularly visit him. However, I am not aware of the accusations in the written complaint. I assist in ensuring security at Narsingdi Railway Station, but the claims of extortion and harassment are not true."

Narsingdi District Jubo Dal President Mohsin Hossain Bidyut said, "We are not aware of the allegations and have not received a copy of the complaint. The BNP strictly opposes extortion and criminal activities by party members. If any member of Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, or any other affiliate is found involved in such activities, we will recommend both party disciplinary actions and administrative measures -- but only based on proper evidence."