Local BNP Women’s Leader Accused of Harassment, Extortion, and False Cases in Gopalganj
Residents of Kashiari Upazila in Gopalganj have been reportedly harassed and victimized by a female leader of the Upazila Mahila Dal (Women’s Wing of BNP). Victims have lodged complaints of misusing her party position to involve people in false cases, extorting money by threatening lawsuits, physical assault, and general harassment.
The accused leader is Laiju Begum, the Religious Affairs Secretary of the Kashiari Upazila Mahila Dal and the daughter of retired army personnel Shawkat Hossain Sardar of Fukra village.
Over a hundred victims, including BNP leaders, have filed a written complaint against Laiju Begum with the District Superintendent of Police (SP), claiming to be extremely distressed by her actions.
Specific Allegations
According to the complaint, Laiju Begum is accused of:
• Extortion through Fraud: Concealing information about her multiple marriages to trap various individuals and extort money from them.
• Misuse of Party Name: Using the party’s name to implicate people in false cases and threatening lawsuits to demand money, which has allegedly become her profession. Her actions have frustrated the entire Fukra Union, including local BNP activists.
Testimonies from Victims:
• Badrul Alam (Local BNP Leader): On October 10th, Laiju Begum’s former husband, Apel Mahmud, was waiting at my counter at the Fukra bus stand to travel to Dhaka. Laiju suddenly entered the counter and accosted him. When I intervened to stop her from assaulting him, she became enraged and filed a robbery complaint against me at the police station that day. Twelve days later, citing the same location, she filed a rape case in court against me and two others. He alleged that Laiju often files false cases and later settles them for money.
• Chanchal Molla (Van Driver, Fukra Village): Two months ago, Laiju asked me to deliver a wardrobe from Fukra Market to her home. Since the van couldn’t reach her house, I delivered it as far as the road. She insisted I carry the wardrobe the rest of the way on my head. When I refused due to illness, Laiju tried to carry it herself and broke it. She then demanded 4,000 Taka from me and threatened me with the RAB and police. Eventually, she made a false allegation of ‘laying hands on her,’ demanding: “If you won’t pay the money, why did you touch me?” He noted she is the age of his daughter. He was forced to pay 2,000 Taka out of fear for his honor.
• Sajjadul Islam Rana (Dhalgram Resident): About a week ago, Laiju called me from an unknown number and asked me to meet her at the market. There, she attacked me and snatched the key to my motorcycle, threatening to file a case. He demanded that she be expelled from the party.
• Shah Alam (Computer Businessman, Fukra Market): He stated that trapping people in trouble and extorting money has become her addiction. He speculated she might be mentally ill and added that her actions are tarnishing the image of the area and the party.
• Liton Sardar (Youth): Laiju has filed a false rape case against me. She is now demanding a large sum of money through intermediaries for a settlement, promising to withdraw the case if paid.
Party Response
Laiju Begum could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts to contact her on her mobile phone.
Regarding the allegations, Shila Begum, President of the Kashiari Upazila Mahila Dal, said:
“I have received a written complaint. We will investigate the matter and take organizational action.”
