Four families evicted in Satkhira over extortion demands

Four families from Nakna village in Pratapnagar Union, Assasuni Upazila, Satkhira, have allegedly been forced to leave their homes for failing to pay extortion money.

Demanding action against the main perpetrators of extortion and criminal activities—Jubair Hossain, Nazmul Huda, Saeed, and their supporter, UP member Raihan—the affected families held a human chain protest on Monday at 11 AM in front of the Satkhira Press Club on the Assasuni-Satkhira road.

During the human chain protest, Mohammad Sohag Gazi, a member of one of the affected families, stated that since August 5, under the leadership of UP member Raihan, extortion demands were made three times from four families in Nakna village, amounting to 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 BDT.

The families were repeatedly pressured to pay, facing threats of assault and even death if they failed to do so. However, being poor and helpless, they were unable to meet the demands. Eventually, on March 3, when they couldn’t pay, the house of Shamim Morol in Nakna village was set on fire.

Sanjida Begum stated that due to their inability to pay the extortion money, the four families were assaulted and forcibly displaced by the criminals 21 days ago. Since then, they have been living in dire conditions with their women and children.

She urged authorities to take immediate action to ensure their safe return home and demanded the arrest of Raihan Member, Jubair, and their associates, who are behind the extortion and criminal activities in Nakna village.

The victims have also appealed to the Satkhira DC, SP, the Army, and other relevant authorities for urgent intervention.

Attempts to contact UP member Raihan on his mobile phone were unsuccessful, as his number was found to be switched off.

Among those present at the human chain protest were affected family members, including Shamim Babu, Mohammad Sohag Gazi, Shakil Gazi, Masum Billah, Sanjida Begum, Moyna Khatun, Nazma Begum, and others.