Extortion gangs have appeared to be re-emerging across various parts of Meherpur’s Gangni upazila. Resurrecting their old tactics, these gang groups are leaving bomb-like objects, shrouds (kafon cloth) and handwritten notes warning of deadly consequences at the homes of both government-non-government professionals as well as local businesspeople. The resurgence and activities has sparked widespread fear among residents.
Local sources report that in recent months, a series of such incidents have taken place in which wealthy individuals discovered incense sticks, soap, shrouds, and handwritten threat notes left at their doorsteps. These ominous deliveries were accompanied by demands for large sums of extortion money. It is believed that some victims have quietly complied with these demands.
The situation has been further intensified by bomb explosions heard across different areas after dusk, fuelling widespread panic among residents.
Reports indicate that over the past four months, at least 14 bombs have been recovered and two explosions have taken place. Police and other sources recorded at least 20 cases involving bomb threats and extortion notes, many of which contain contact phone numbers. Although law enforcement agencies have gathered evidence from the scenes, they have yet to identify or arrest any suspects.
On June 17, police found a bomb-like object and a handwritten threat note outside a grocery shop owned by Altaf Hossain in Char-Goyal village.
On the night of June 2, a bomb and a note were found at the gate of brick kiln businessman and former ward Awami League president Abdur Rashid’s house in Bamuondi Union. On May 12, during an army raid at Chokhtola field, one pistol, five crude bombs, and 40 grams of cannabis were found. A gang preparing for a robbery ran away on motorbikes after seeing the army patrol led by Major Farhan and Lieutenant Minhaj. On the night of May 3, during a robbery on Pakuria-Kharmapur road, locals fought back. The criminals set off a bomb and escaped. On April 27, three bomb-like objects wrapped in red tape were found on the roof of Raipur Government Primary School. The headteacher and students found them during a regular visit. On March 1, three similar bomb-like devices were found on a bridge near Nowapara village. Locals think the criminals had planned to attack travelers there but ran away when people showed up.
A broad cross-section of people, including businessmen and politicians, have expressed deep concern over the situation.
Iqbal Hossain, Secretary General of Meherpur district Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that bombs and threat notes are being found one after another in Gangni, yet the police have been unable to identify or arrest any suspects.
When talked, Javed Masud Milton, District BNP Convener, commented that since August 5, the police have been operating independently, but their repeated failure to apprehend anyone despite ongoing incidents is a clear failure.
Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gangni Police Station Bani Israel admitted the fact of such incidents, saying, “We have launched investigations and are actively working to identify the culprits. Patrols have also been intensified.”
Conversations with local residents reveal that Gangni was once notorious as a stronghold of extremism especially various outlawed parties where extortion, murder and armed clashes over territory and class conflicts were common occurrences. Eventually, stern steps by the law enforcement agencies helped to suppress the violence. A number of outlaws either surrendered and reintegrate into normal life or got killed through crossfire and peace was gradually restored to the area.
However, now the people fear that the dark shadow of that violent past is looming once again.
Aman/