Allegations of encroachment and extortion have been received against Jashore's Chougachha Upazila BNP president MA Salam.
After August 5, allegations of extorting large sums of money, including occupying beels, extortion in bazaar, trade over party and college committee and rehabilitating Awami League men in exchange for money have also been arisen against the leader.
Some of the victims also alleged of being framed in false cases if they did not pay extortion to the leader. A written complaint against the leader has been sent to Jashore District BNP and Central BNP including a money theft video of the leader.
Local people in Chougachha have also raised the question of how extortionists and usurpers are in such important positions of an ideological political party like BNP.
According to local sources, there are allegations against MA Salam of extortion by spreading influence including encroachment of seven beels in the upazila and extorting money from Awami League leaders. The beels belong to the upazila are leased to organizations or individuals for fish farming. Since last three months subscription is being taken from them.
A trader named Kashem has officially leased Beragabindrapur Baor. Information has been received that after taking charge as the president of Chougachha Upazila BNP on September 7, Salam took Tk 2 lakh on the condition that the fish of the farmer will not be looted and that he will be allowed to cultivate fish properly.
He assured the lessee of 35 percent fish extraction. However, with the direct help of the president, Salahuddin, the convenor of the upazila Jubo Dal, looted the fish there and took possession of two government ponds of 15 bighas next to the baor.
Ballabhpur Baor is leased by an organization called Sanatan Samiti. There has been an incident of fish robbery here since August 7. The organization alleged that on September 7, fishes of worth Tk half a core were looted and are still being looted due to non-payment of extortion.
Kakuriya Baor is officially leased under the president of the Kakuriya Fisheries Cooperative Society Santosh Halder. There, Chougachha BNP president demanded 25 percent fish contract and subscription with his own people, they alleged.
It was said that an agreement has been made with the president and general secretary of Lakshmipur Baor regarding 25 percent extortion. Chakla (Saruppur) Baor where allegedly loots were happened under the direction the president and general secretary and it was handed over to a member named Delawar known as their people. The original lessee is practically helpless.
Kharincha Baor is officially leased under Shri Uttam Kumar of Sanatan Samiti. There have also allegations that BNP leader Salam has been giving various pressures for the demand of extortion. Uttam Kumar has submitted a written complaint to Jashore District BNP member secretary to get redressal.
Apart from these, it was alleged that the president Salam forcibly occupied the business establishment 'GS Homeo Hall' of a family, which has been running for almost 70 years. The victim Azadur Rahman has complained to the central BNP to get a solution.
Moiful, known as the upazila BNP president Salam's bodyguard, allegedly took Tk 86,000 as an extortion from a local rice trader Liton's house next to Chougachha Upazila Bhaban.
Liton alleged that Salam's bodyguard Moiful blackmailed me through a woman and demanded Tk six lakh and settled with Tk 86,000. When he contacted the president about this money, he replied that it is not possible to return the money now, Liton added.
Jashore's Chougachha UNO Sushmita Saha said that they have received complaints about fish looting in Ballabhpur baor, there were also incidents of fights.
She said, 'We have given the names of the accused to the police statiob. The current situation is better than before. We are trying to take legal action against those who are complaining. We are trying to take legal action against those who are being accused.'
Several leaders of Chougachha BNP said on condition of anonymity that the upazila president is collecting large amount of money after the change of power. But those who are giving out of fear and even those who know are not opening up.
Some residents of Chougachha said on condition of anonymity, "There were no political murders in our area, but in just a few days there were two murders due to factionalism. We do not expect these.''
When the upazila BNP president MA Salam was rung to know about the allegations, he said, 'I was the chairman for a long time. I have a family heritage. I am not involved in any kind of extortion. In my upazila, no fish has been looted. Neither I nor my younger brother nor any of my people accepted money from anyone. I am a common man. I am not involved with extortion.'
He also claimed that the people of Chougachha are in very peaceful environment now.
In this regard, Jashore District BNP Member Secretary Advocate Syed Saberul Haque Sabu said, 'I have not received any written complaint about the occupation or extortion. If such complaints are received, we will definitely investigate and take action.'
