Jamaat Leader Expelled After Extortion Incident Goes Viral

Local Correspondent

Zakir Hossain, a *rukun* (member) of Jamaat-e-Islami in Feni district, has been expelled from the organization following allegations of demanding extortion in exchange for dropping charges against temporarily suspended Feni Alia Kamil Madrasa principal Maulana Mahmudul Hasan.

The incident was confirmed in a press release issued on Monday by A. N. M. Abdur Rahim, the district Jamaat’s publicity and media secretary.

The controversy erupted after a 2-minute and 27-second call recording, where Zakir Hossain allegedly demanded money, went viral on social media on Sunday. The recording sparked widespread criticism across the district, prompting Jamaat to expel Zakir to protect the organization’s reputation.

In the viral call, Mahmudul Hasan is heard asking Zakir how much money he needs. Zakir mentions the replacement of the case’s investigation officer and references someone named Samir. Hasan then states he already paid 200,000 taka for case expenses and asks if more money is required, inquiring if the earlier 100,000 taka for the Officer-in-Charge (OC) was given. Zakir assures him the case will be dismissed and suggests reviewing the payment.

The viral call has led many within the party to openly criticize Zakir Hossain. A senior Jamaat leader from the district, speaking anonymously, lamented, “These kinds of leaders tarnish the party’s image. People are already more aware now. One person’s actions damage everyone’s reputation. There was no option but to expel Zakir.”

Sources indicate that Zakir Hossain, using his position as vice president of the Feni City Workers’ Federation, has been accused of extorting money from various transport stands in the city.

When asked about the allegations, the recently expelled Zakir Hossain denied the claims, saying, “You must have misunderstood. I have never heard or known of anything like this.”

District Jamaat Amir Maulana Mufti Abdul Hannan stated, “The allegations against him are being taken seriously. The decision to expel him was made due to such activities.”

Earlier, police arrested Omar Faruq Shuvo, Feni coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, for allegedly extorting money from Mahmudul Hasan on behalf of central coordinators Abdul Kader and Hamza Mahbub.