Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Hasnat Abdullah, one of the key coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, emphasized taking firm action against extortionists during a visit to the New Market area in Debidwar Sadar, Comilla, on Friday afternoon.
He said: “If anyone comes to the market to extort money, tie them to a post. There will be no place for extortionists in Debidwar. If someone attempts extortion, catch them and hand them over to the police.”
Addressing the traders, Hasnat Abdullah said: “For 16 years, the accomplices of the fascist Hasina government have formed syndicates to increase commodity prices. They have extorted money for transporting every product, engaging in unchecked extortion in the markets, causing extreme suffering for ordinary people. We are now committed to building a new Bangladesh. In this new Bangladesh, there will be no place for those who plunder public wealth, engage in black marketing, extortion, or market syndicates.”
He added: “Businesspeople must avoid falling into the trap of syndicates. Purchase produce directly from farmers and provide it to consumers at fair prices. The work of reforming the country is ongoing. A self-reliant Bangladesh will be built through mutual cooperation among everyone, and this requires all of us to work together.”
Later in the evening, Hasnat Abdullah visited the homes of victims, including Abdur Razzak alias Rubel, who was killed on August 4 during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Debidwar.
He met with their families, accompanied by the local coordinator of the Debidwarunit of the movement and other local leaders.
