An organised gang unleashing a reign of terror has continued
repression of the fishermen in the Hindu dominated Rangpur union of
Dumuria Upazila of Khulna.
They have grabbed a few Jalmahal (water bodies) in the area from the
fishermen’s possession and continue to torture them for illegal toll.
During a recent visit, fishermen at Shalua-Rangpur Bazar of the union
and Jele Polli (fishermen’s village) informed UNB that the bandits
regularly extort money from the local fishermen and businessmen
through intimidation.
In fear of attack by the goons, members of the fishermen community
have to pass sleepless nights.
The gang is continuing the criminal activities allegedly under the
leadership of Benu Miah alias Benu chairman, former chief of a banned
party and notorious terrorist.
The gang members have continued torturing them and forcibility taken
control of a few water bodies under the villagers’ possession.
In recent times, they extorted Tk7,000 from Anamika Mallik, Tk20,000
from Probin Dhali, Tk 2 lakh from fish enclosure owner Ramesh Mandal
and Tk17,000 from Chandi Das.
They also demanded 20 pieces of bricks from Dinesh Mistri.
Dinesh after giving them 1,000 bricks winded up his business from the area.
They have encroached upon the local water bodies—Naler Khal, Amviter
Khal and Bil Pabla Gagana Khal and are doing fish farming there.
Boat plying in the canals is being hampered for the nets the grabbers
have set across for fishing.
For the purpose, they have also kept the local sluice gate shut, due
to which sewage cannot pass causing water stagnation in the area
during monsoon.
Poor villagers on the banks of the canals are the worst sufferers for it.
Two local Juba League activists are reportedly giving shelter to the gang.
The terrorist group often come here to collect illegal toll and
threatens those who are unable to give them money.
Fishermen alleged when they go from Rangpur-Shalua area to Khulna city
for different works, the terrorists also beat them.
Aditya Biswas, chairman of Shalua-Rangpur Fishermen Co-operative
Society and general secretary Amal Biswas said they submitted a
memorandum to Dumuria upazila chairman, upazila nirbahi officer and
responsible police officer seeking protection.
They have also protested torture by the gang at a press conference at
Dumuria Press Club and filed cases and general dairy in this
connection.
But no actions have been taken in this regard.
M Mashiur Rahman, office-in-charge of Dumuria police station, said,“We
are trying to arrest the gang members adopting techniques.”
(UNB, Khulna)
