Allegations have surfaced against B M Alamgir Kabir, the General Secretary of the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, for forcibly entering the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) office in Dhaka's Khamarbari, verbally abusing officials, and demanding large sums of money as extortion.
Dr. Mohammad Abdul Kaiyum Mazumder, Project Director of the ‘Dhaka Region Agriculture Development Project,’ filed a written complaint with the Director General of the DAE on Wednesday, seeking security and legal action following the incident.
Details of the Incident
According to the written complaint, the incident occurred around 1:50 PM on Wednesday. Alamgir Kabir, leading a group of 10–12 individuals, reportedly stormed into Room 717 of the DAE headquarters. The group allegedly began hurling verbal abuses at Dr. Kaiyum and demanded a significant amount of money. When the official refused, he was reportedly physically harassed and threatened with his life.
Similar allegations were made by other officials. Dr. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Project Director of the Onion Storage Project, stated that Kabir forcibly took him out of the Director of Administration's office to demand 5 lakh BDT.
"He demanded 5 lakh BDT from me. I told him I didn’t have the money and would have to sell a kidney to pay him. This isn't the first time; he previously demanded 2 lakh BDT. We are living in constant fear due to such regular threats within a government office," Dr. Mahfuzur said.
Allegations of Political Backing
An anonymous eyewitness claimed that Alamgir Kabir is a close follower of a top leader of the Agriculturist Association of Bangladesh (AAB). The witness suggested that the incident was instigated by that leader, adding that a thorough investigation would reveal a deeper "web of corruption" involving high-ranking figures within the Khamarbari premises.
Defense of the Accused
B M Alamgir Kabir denied the allegations of extortion and threats, describing the incident as a "misunderstanding" or "lighthearted banter."
"I have a long-standing relationship with Dr. Mahfuzur. We were just joking around," Kabir claimed. Regarding Dr. Kaiyum, he alleged that the official is a "collaborator of the fallen Awami League regime." He admitted to visiting the office to discuss the recruitment of party members for outsourcing projects but claimed the official was uncooperative.
Official Stance
Md. Abdur Rahim, Director General of the DAE, confirmed that he was informed of the incident while attending a meeting at the Ministry.
"I have heard about the misconduct involving the Chhatra Dal leader and our officials. I will review the details at the office on Thursday and take necessary legal steps. We will do everything required to ensure the safety and a proper working environment for our staff," the DG stated.
General officials at the DAE expressed deep concern, stating that such bold aggression during broad daylight is alarming. They have demanded a swift and impartial investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
