Death threats and extortion demands to five RU teachers under ‘Sarbohara’ identity

At least five teachers of Rajshahi University (RU) have been demanded money after being given death threats over phone under the identity of ‘Sarbohara’. Concern has been created among the teachers and administration of the university over the matter.

The teachers who received the threats are Professor Abdullah Al Mamun of the English department, Professor Gour Chandra Paul of the Mathematics department, Professor Jannatul Ferdous of the Social Work department, Professor Shahriar Hossain of the Theatre department and Associate Professor Kaushik Sarkar.

A phone call was made to Professor Shahriar Hossain of the Theatre department demanding money by mentioning the cost of bail of several workers who are in jail.

Professor Shahriar told the media that he received the phone call twice. He could not receive the call the first time as he was busy. The call was made again after about two hours and a long conversation took place. At that time, he was asked how much money he could give.

The person who made the call identified himself as the younger brother of Siraj Sikder. At one stage, he told Professor Shahriar, “I have not held a revolver to your head. Dada will call, you manage the money.”

Later, Professor Shahriar filed a general diary (GD) at Motihar Police Station seeking security. He also informed the proctor of the university about the matter immediately after receiving the call. Proctor Professor Dr. Mahbubur Rahman informed him that several other teachers of RU have also received similar calls recently.

Professor Shahriar said that later police tracked the number and came to know that the call was made from Madaripur. Police found that the SIM used was registered in the name of Mufti Rezaul Karim.

Professor Abdullah Al Mamun of the English department said that he was also given the identity of ‘Sarbohara’ over phone. He cut the call without extending the conversation. Later he came to know that several other teachers of the university have received similar calls.

In this regard, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Motihar Police Station Md. Arjun said that a GD has been filed after the complaint. The matter is being investigated. They hope that it will be resolved soon.