19 december 2025, Voice of Minority-VOM:- A Hindu youth has allegedly been assaulted, threatened with death, and extorted for money in Mirsharai Upazila after he testified as a witness in a land-related legal dispute. The victim has accused several individuals, including a local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s youth wing, of being involved in the incident.
The victim, Arjun Kumar Das (35), is a resident of the Charsharat area under Jorarganj Police Station. According to his statement, he was a witness in an ongoing land dispute case, and his testimony reportedly led to him being targeted by the accused persons.
According to the complaint, the incident took place on December 11 at around 5:00 PM, when Arjun Kumar Das went to a local shop to have tea. At that time, several individuals—including Md. Imam Uddin, Nasir Uddin, Monirul Islam, and others—arrived at the spot and confronted him. They questioned him about why he had agreed to testify in the land dispute case.
It is alleged that Md. Imam Uddin, who is locally known as a convenor of the BNP Jubo Dal, demanded 200,000 Bangladeshi Taka as extortion money from Arjun Kumar Das. When he refused to pay the demanded amount, the accused allegedly launched a physical assault on him, beating him indiscriminately.
As a result of the attack, Arjun Kumar Das sustained serious injuries. The attackers also allegedly threatened him with death if he dared to file a case or pursue legal action against them. Due to these threats, the victim claims that he and his family have been living in constant fear.
Following the incident, Arjun Kumar Das went to Jorarganj Police Station in an injured condition and filed a written complaint. In his complaint, he clearly mentioned that the accused individuals are influential figures in the area, which has further intensified his sense of insecurity and vulnerability.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about witness intimidation, political influence, extortion, and the safety of religious minorities in rural Bangladesh. Local residents have called for a proper investigation and strict legal action against those responsible to ensure justice and protect the rights of vulnerable communities.
