2 BNP leaders held for alleged extortion in Netrokona

Two local BNP leaders have been detained for allegedly extorting money from buses at a stand in Netrokona's Kendua municipality during a joint operation led by army personnel last night.

The drive, conducted around 11:45pm, was confirmed by Lt Md Shahriar Ahmed, commander of the temporary army camp in Madan, this afternoon.

The arrestees were identified as Md Abdul Awal Khan, 65, former joint secretary of Kendua upazila BNP, and Anisur Rahman Kadil, 35, religious affairs secretary of the Kendua municipal unit of Shromikdal.

Acting on the information, a joint team launched the operation and detained the two while they were allegedly collecting money. Their accomplices managed to flee the scene.

During interrogation, the two reportedly disclosed the names of several associates.

They were later handed over to Kendua Police Station.

"We detained the two while they were extorting money. Based on the information gathered, further actions are being coordinated with the police," Shahriar said.

Rafiqul Islam Helali, member secretary of Netrokona district BNP, said the party is verifying the political affiliations of those detained.

"If any of our members are found involved, the party will take necessary action following an internal probe," he said.

Kendua Police Station chief Mizanur Rahman said a case has been filed against nine individuals, including the two arrested, on extortion charges.

The two were produced before court this afternoon, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused, he added.