Islami Front leader in Raujan files complaint over extortion death threat

Principal Mohammad Elias Nuri, the Bangladesh Islami Front candidate for Chattogram-6 (Raujan) in the 13th national election, has allegedly been threatened with death over the phone by a caller demanding extortion money.

He filed a written complaint at Raujan police station over the incident on Thursday (12 November).

According to the complaint, several calls came to Nuri's personal mobile phone from one number on Thursday afternoon. When he called back, an unidentified man demanded a large sum as extortion money, saying it was to 'manage the boys'.

The complaint says a deadline of Thursday evening was set for payment. Otherwise, he was threatened with being killed and with serious harm.

He also alleged that repeated calls from the same number have continued to harass and frighten him.

Principal Elias Nuri said: 'I was phoned and extortion was demanded. But no specific amount of money was stated. I was threatened with being killed if I did not pay.'

He is principal of Betagi Rahmania Jamiul Ulum Senior Madrasa in Rangunia and president of the Raujan Upazila (South) unit of Bangladesh Islami Front. He contested the Chattogram-6 seat in the 13th national election with the candle symbol.

Nuri said he and his family have felt insecure since the incident. He demanded that the phone number be identified and swift legal action taken against those involved.

Raujan police station officer-in-charge Saiful Islam said: 'We have received a written complaint in this incident. Necessary legal action will be taken after verification and investigation.'