Armed miscreants have unleashed a reign of terror in the rural areas of Naria upazilla in Shariotpur district. Local sources said, armed extortionists and terrorists have been increased resulting to murder, abduction, extortion and dacoity under the protection influential quarters. There is no reason of denying the fact that people of Naria upazila of the district are held hostage by the armed terrorists who are demanding illegal toll at gun point and carrying out murders or grave injury in defalcation. They are creating panic by threatening their lives. As a result, a large number of residents of different villages fearing more violence already left their homes looking for peace and security.
Meanwhile, Md Moazzem, son of Alef Khan, Sayem Baperi, son of Motin Baperi, Monir Hossain, son Kolomali Khan of village Atipara under Sadar upazila left their homes and took shelter elsewhere of the country as the terrorists demanded illegal toll.
A local Police official while talking to this correspondent seeking anonymity over the situation said, the number of cadres multiplied, along with criminal activities. The gangs are equipped with the latest firearms and have intensified their misdeeds. A local BNP leader said, a reign of terror had literally been let loose and they were living in constant fear and uncertainty. A local portfolio leader of Bangladesh Awami League said, several gangs of terrorists have made the population of the district captive.
The police role in wiping out terrorism has given rise to many questions. According to a leading lawyer of the district, the law-enforcing agencies are not sincere enough to destroy roots of crimes which are perhaps in their knowledge. Police reportedly remain silent when they are informed of whereabouts of the terrorists, he alleged. A rickshaw-puller said, some areas of Naria upazila is now a trouble spot of bush war, and noteworthy to mention extortion, kidnapping and murder were the order of the day.
A local business magnet said, it is now impossible to do business without paying tolls and protection money to various groups. He alleged that sometimes the outlawed groups fixed toll rates for carrying different commodities. The toll for every common business commodity has been set out clearly, so that there could be no confusion. According to contractors, who undertake construction work on roads and buildings and bridges have to pay a hefty toll of seven to eight percent of the total cost. Being tired of torture, the people of the area urge the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to arrest the real terrorists and free the society from terrorism.