There were incidents of chases, clashes and vandalism of shops by two parties in Madhyanagar Upazila of Sunamganj over the issue of preventing extortion from a coal-laden truck. An old man named Mohammad Ali (70) died after being hit by a brick while trying to stop the clash. The incident took place at Mahishkhola Bazar of the upazila at around 6:30 pm on Monday.

According to eyewitnesses and local sources, coal-laden trucks have been being taken from Charagaon Customs Station of Tahirpur Upazila to Kalmakanda Upazila of Netrokona for one and a half months. Harun Mia (30), a resident of Datiapara village of the upazila, and his people had been collecting extortion of Tk 300 to 500 per truck. Harun Mia introduced himself as the former member secretary of the Madhyanagar Upazila branch of an organization called ‘Tarek Zia Prajanmo Dal’.

Leaders and activists of Banshikunda North Union BNP and its affiliated organizations took a stand against the extortion. A meeting was held at the Banshikunda North Union Parishad office yesterday at around 4:15 pm. During the meeting, there was an argument between Harun Mia’s people and the people of Banshikunda North Union BNP General Secretary Muktar Hossain (45). Later, the people from both sides left.

The deceased’s cousin, former UP member Babul Mia (60), said that Mohammad Ali Bhai used to stay in Mahishkhola Bazar most of the day. He was killed in an attack by Harun Mia’s people.