Amtali (Barguna) Correspondent
It has been alleged that Harun Fakir, president of the Arpangashia Union Sromik Dal, set fire to a house in retaliation after being released on bail. Md. Zakir Hossain Gazi, an office assistant at Arpangashia Secondary School, made the allegation at a press conference at the Amtali Journalists Union office on Sunday afternoon. He also said that Harun Fakir and his terrorist group used to stand on his way to school with domestic weapons to kill him. He is unable to go to school due to fear of terrorist groups. His family members are unable to leave the house. He has demanded that the police administration take legal action against terrorist Harun Fakir and his terrorist group immediately. In a written statement, Zakir Hossain Gazi said, “I was returning home from Arpangashia Bazar on April 22. On the way, Harun Fakir’s associate Arif Howlader picked me up on his motorcycle and took me to Harun Fakir’s house.” He took me to that house and locked me in his room and demanded a ransom of 220,000 taka. When I refused to pay the ransom, they threatened to kill me with indigenous weapons. Later, I was helpless and saved by paying a ransom of 20,000 taka. The next day after I returned home, on April 23, they demanded the 200,000 taka they had demanded. Later, helpless, I filed a case in the Amtali Senior Judicial Magistrate’s Court on April 27, accusing Harun Fakir and his associates Arif Howlader, Anik and Abdul Hai. Police have arrested the main accused in the case, Harun Fakir. He was released on bail last Wednesday after spending seven days in jail in the case. After being released on bail, Harun Fakir and his terrorist gang threatened to kill me and my elder brother-in-law, businessman Anisur Rahman Molla. As a result, my brother-in-law’s hut caught fire late last Saturday night. Upon receiving the information, the Amtali fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. The damage was at least two lakh taka. He also said, “I cannot go to school for fear of terrorist Harun Fakir and his associates.” He demanded that the administration take action against terrorist Harun Fakir and his associates. Businessman Anisur Rahman Molla, Moklesur Rahman Molla, Ruhul Amin, Rubel Molla and Rakib Molla were also present at the press conference. Moklesur Rahman Molla, the elder brother of businessman Anisur Rahman, said, “I went out of the house on Saturday night at the call of nature.” At that time, I saw the fire burning in the hut. When I shouted, Harun Fakir, Arif Howlader, Rubel and Dipankar ran away. When contacted, Harun Fakir, president of the Arpangashia Union Workers’ Party, found his mobile phone (01736911729) switched off. However, his associate Arif Howlader said, “We know nothing about this.” Amtali Police Station OC Md. Arifur Rahman Arif said, “We sent the police after receiving information about the fire in the Kurer Khar area.” Legal action will be taken if a complaint is received.