BNP is raising election expenses through extortion, what will it do if it wins the election?

BNP leaders accused of extortion in various places, new criticism in viral video

Staff Correspondent

Several allegations of extortion, encroachment and threats have recently surfaced against several BNP leaders in various districts and upazilas of the country. Such allegations of the organization’s influence at the local level, collection of money and putting pressure on businessmen are also drawing criticism on social media.

A video of a crowdfunding campaign at a fair stall in Kotalipara, Gopalganj, has sparked widespread discussion after it went viral on social media.

The video shows Sadullapur Union Ward 7 BNP president Sukharanjan alias Dhalu collecting money from shopkeepers. The shopkeepers allege that he collected extortions ranging from Tk 3,500 to Tk 2,000 from various stalls and was threatened if they refused to pay.

Allegations of extortion in garment industry area

The owners of various garment factories in Gazipur, Narayanganj and Savar have complained that some local BNP leaders have been regularly demanding extortion. Several factory owners said that they are demanding 4-5 lakh taka, if they want to pay less, the pressure is increased, and finally they are forced to pay the full amount. There have even been allegations against a ward-level BNP leader who is demanding 65 thousand taka per month and threatening to close the business if the extortion is not paid.

Encroachment and extortion demands in Rajshahi

Several BNP leaders in Rajshahi have been accused of occupying land and buildings, extorting money, and conducting illegal money transactions.

Local sources say that some leaders of the metropolitan BNP have seized various places by exerting influence. In Bagmara Upazila, incidents of land and pond grabbing and fish looting have also come to light.

BNP leader Joydul Islam Fensu in Godagari Upazila is also accused of occupying houses and extorting money. Locals claim that his people are spreading fear in the area by using their party affiliation.

Market occupation and extortion allegations in Nilphamari

BNP leader Rezaul Khan Reza has been accused of demanding extortion from traders and occupying markets in Nilphamari’s Syedpur. The victims said he is trying to establish control over the market by using his party identity.

Allegations of encroachment of Khas land in Sylhet

BNP leader Sahab Uddin has been accused of occupying government land in Sylhet’s Companiganj Upazila. According to the allegations, he is conducting political and business activities on the occupied land.

These allegations from various districts have brought to light the tendency of extortion, occupation, intimidation and influence peddling against local BNP leaders. Although many of the leaders concerned have denied the allegations, local victims are demanding an investigation into the incident and action.

Extortion is not limited to the Gopalganj fair incident that went viral or a few incidents that surfaced on social media — it is becoming new evidence of the BNP’s internal political and moral crisis. When a leader’s video goes viral, it is not only him who is personally responsible; questions also arise regarding the entire party’s opponents and the electoral context.

If the party wins the election and comes to power, will it continue to be as greedy for money as it is now? Will it provide fair and transparent governance to the common people? Or will it once again put justice and democratic interests behind it, using political rewards and financial influence?

Now is the time, the Election Commission, lawmakers and civil society are demanding — to immediately investigate and combat extortion, illegal money collection and political corruption. BNP must respond clearly, because during elections, not extortion, but public trust and justice are the foundation of democracy.