Jubo Dal leader arrested over alleged abduction of kazi, Tk 2 lakh extortion in Munshiganj

A Jubo Dal leader has been arrested in Munshiganj for allegedly abducting a kazi (government-licensed marriage registrar) and extorting Tk 2 lakh from him after becoming enraged over the registrar’s role in finalising the divorce of a friend’s wife.

Police arrested Rajib Hossain Apu, joint convener of Sadar Upazila Jubo Dal who was expelled from the organisation following the incident, along with his associate Swapan after the victim lodged a complaint with Sadar Police Station. Apu is also a former vice-president of the district Chhatra Dal.

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According to police and the complaint, Kazi Md Habibur Rahman was called from his home in Katakhali on Sunday afternoon on the pretext of solemnising a marriage. He was then taken to a room in Muktarpur, on the other side of town, where he was allegedly confined and threatened with death.

The accused demanded Tk 2 lakh for his release, police said. Under duress, Habibur withdrew the money from a bank and handed it over to them, after which he was freed.

The victim subsequently filed a complaint naming Apu, Swapan, Sohel and several others in connection with the incident.

Munshiganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Taslim Uddin said Apu and Swapan had been arrested and sent to court.

“We have found preliminary evidence that they were enraged because the kazi had registered the divorce of Swapan’s wife. They then allegedly abducted him and extorted money from him. The extorted money has already been recovered,” he said.

Following the incident, the central committee of Jubo Dal expelled Apu from the party. Munshiganj District Jubo Dal President Mohammad Sohel Rana confirmed the development, saying Apu was expelled after the central committee was informed of the extortion allegation against him.