In Sainboard Market of Kachua Upazila, Bagerhat, a gold merchant, Apu Karmakar (52), has alleged that he was assaulted and his shop was locked with the market committeeโs seal by Mamun Sheikh, the vice-secretary of the market committee and a BNP leader.
Apu Karmakar, the owner of Ruposhi Jewelers in Sainboard Market, filed a written complaint at Kachua Police Station on Wednesday (February 4) night.
According to the complaint, ten days before the recent elections, Mamun Sheikh demanded rent from tenants of Karmakarโs three shops. Although the matter was temporarily resolved, the demand for rent resurfaced this month. When Karmakar prohibited the tenants from paying, he was called to the market committee office, assaulted, and later his shop was locked.
Apu Karmakarโs wife, Arpita Karmakar, said, โMy husband is an innocent businessman. They tried to forcefully collect rent from his shop. We want justice for this injustice.โ
Mamun Sheikh, however, denied the allegations, saying, โApu Karmakar was called to the office. During the conversation, he was given a couple of shoves; no assault took place.โ
Sardar Rezaul Hossain, president of the Sainboard Market Committee and BNP leader of Radipara Union, said, โNo one has the right to assault a businessman or lock their shop. An emergency meeting has been called to discuss the matter.โ
Officer-in-Charge of Kachua Police Station, Shafiqul Rahman, stated, โWe have received the complaint. Legal action will be taken after investigation.
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