Looting and Threats in Netrakona During the Awami League Tenure

Netrakona: During the previous Awami League regime, several business establishments in Naihati Bazar, Barhatta Upazila of Netrakona, were subjected to attacks and widespread looting. Among the victims was Nawab Ali, a local businessman whose store was ransacked, and all goods were stolen by alleged Awami League cadres. To make matters worse, false cases were filed against him, leading to harassment. Similar incidents of looting and false accusations have forced many business owners to flee the area.

Manik Mia, another businessman in the same market, reported a similar ordeal. His shop was looted of goods worth 400,000–500,000 BDT, followed by a false lawsuit. He lived in fear and fled to Dhaka, where he has resided for the past three years.

Fleeing for Safety and Starting Anew

Another victim, Md. Jewel Mia, who owned a small hotel, suffered losses of around 400,000 BDT when looters broke into his establishment and stole everything, including a television. Fearing for his life, he went into hiding for three years. Following the recent fall of the Awami League government, he has returned to the area and is trying to rebuild his business from scratch.

At least 7–8 other shop owners in the market reported similar attacks over the past three years, allegedly carried out by Awami League supporters. Despite the political transition, some perpetrators have allegedly disguised themselves as BNP supporters and continue to pose threats

Accusations Against Local LeadersThe affected businessmen accused local Awami League leaders, including Amirul Islam, his brother Al Amin, and their associate Dalim Mia, of orchestrating the attacks. They alleged that a teenage gang, under the leadership of these individuals, was responsible for the violence and theft. Although Amirul and Al Amin have been arrested after the regime change, Dalim is reportedly attempting to portray himself as a BNP supporter. Victims claim that Dalim continues to issue threats under the guise of being a BNP leader.

Ongoing Fear Among VictimsJewel Mia, one of the affected business owners, stated, “During the Awami League regime, Naihati Bazar was a place of terror. Everything was looted, and I was forced to flee. Although the situation has improved, we are still not completely safe, as their associates remain active.”Manik Mia, another victim, shared similar sentiments: “Amirul, Al Amin, and Dalim led the teenage gang that looted my shop of goods worth 500,000 BDT. Even after the government change, Dalim, now pretending to be a BNP supporter, continues to threaten us.”

Community Responses and Allegations

Local resident Tamim Hasan Himel commented on the situation, stating that Amirul, Al Amin, and Dalim were notorious during the Awami League’s tenure for their involvement in looting, violence, and drug trade. They reportedly barred BNP activists from entering the area.

Another victim, Chhoton Sheikh, revealed that he had to leave the area for three years due to fear of these individuals. He was unable to return even after his father passed away, missing the funeral.

Attempts at ResolutionAnwar Hossain Bhuttu, a local member of the Union Parishad, confirmed the incidents of looting and stated that community leaders had decided to compensate the victims with 1 million BDT through a recent arbitration. However, the victims have yet to receive this compensation.

Accused Deny Allegations

In response, Dalim Mia denied all accusations, claiming they were fabricated. He accused Manik Mia of being involved in extortion and criminal activities, alleging that his house was attacked and damaged. Dalim also mentioned that he has filed a lawsuit regarding the attack on his property.

The post Looting and Threats in Netrakona During the Awami League Tenure appeared first on Tv Today.