Expatriate tortured, extorted at gunpoint in Noakhali
Photo: Agamir Somoy
Three people allegedly attacked, tortured, and demanded extortion at gunpoint from Bangladeshi expatriate in Italy Md Solaiman in Chatkhil, Noakhali.
Chatkhil Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Abdul Monnaf confirmed the matter.
The victim’s family claimed that the accused Faruq, Azad, and Shahparan are members of a human trafficking ring. The family held a press conference demanding the arrest and trial of the accused in connection with this incident.
The press conference took place on Friday morning at Solaiman’s home in Shankur village of Khilpara Union under the upazila.
At the press conference, Solaiman’s wife Jannatul Ferdous alleged that a human trafficking ring held her husband captive in Libya in 2023 on the pretext of taking him to Italy. During that time, associates of expatriate Faruq, Azad and Shahparan, held him hostage and tortured him.
They collected a total of Tk 25 lakh from him in several installments. Police have arrested Azad in a case filed over the incident.
Jannatul further alleged that Solaiman later reached Italy through another channel and returned home. Following his return, on 29 August, assailants attacked and tortured him in Khilpara Bazar of the upazila. At that time, they snatched Solaiman’s gold chain and cash while demanding extortion.
Fearing for his life, Solaiman then left the country and departed for Italy.
At the press conference, members of the victim’s family demanded an investigation into the incident, the arrest of the accused, and justice. At the same time, they sought the intervention of the administration to ensure the family’s security. Solaiman’s sister Mobashara Begum Sohagi and daughter Nabila Sultana Noba were present at the time.
Reporters made several attempts to contact Shahparan to inquire about the allegations, but could not reach the line.
OC Monnaf said authorities filed a case under the Human Trafficking Act. Police arrested one accused. Four accused are on bail, while another accused remains in hiding. Police will take legal action following investigation.
