03 January 2026, Voice Of Minority-VOM:- Dinajpur, Bangladesh — Police in northern Bangladesh have detained two men, including a local political leader, following allegations that they attempted to extort money from a Sanatani (Hindu) family by posing as government officials, authorities said on Sunday.
The incident took place on Saturday night in Barea village of Bochaganj upazila in Dinajpur district, where local residents intercepted the suspects and handed them over to police.
One of the detained individuals was M A Tafsir Hasan, 33, the upazila chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Bochaganj, according to police. The second suspect was identified as Manjur Alam, 36, from Bhorda village.
Family alleges threats and impersonation
According to the police complaint, filed by Santosh Kumar Roy, 40, a member of the Hindu family, the suspects arrived at their home around 9:30 p.m., carrying iron pipes and steel rods. They allegedly introduced themselves as representatives of the administration and demanded entry into the house.
Once inside, the men reportedly searched rooms, asked for the complainant’s elder brother Parimal Chandra Roy, and threatened his wife with death if their demands were not met. The family alleged the suspects demanded 200,000 Bangladeshi taka, warning that the household would be killed if the money was not handed over.
Locals intervene, suspects detained
Hearing the family’s cries for help, neighbours rushed to the scene and managed to detain two of the suspects, while others accompanying them fled, police said. The detained men were later handed over to officers from Bochaganj police station.
Political background
Police confirmed that Tafsir Hasan had previously collected nomination papers to contest the country’s upcoming 13th parliamentary election but did not submit them.
Police statement
Officer-in-Charge Md. Mizanur Rahman of Bochaganj police station said an extortion case has been registered.
“The suspects were brought to the police station by local residents on the same night,” he said. “They have since been produced before a court following legal procedures.”
Community concern
The incident has sparked concern among local residents, particularly minority community members, who say the alleged targeting of a Hindu household has intensified fears over security and misuse of political or administrative influence.
Police said investigations are continuing and efforts are underway to identify the suspects who escaped.
