Human chain formed by contractors against Criminal.

Victim Contractors’ Unity Panel formed a human chain at the PDB Building on October 19, drawing the attention of the Chief Engineer and issuing a stern warning against extortionists.

In this regard, leaders of the PDB(Power development Board) Contractors’ Unity Panel spoke out at the human chain, warning the extortionists through various speeches.

Bashir Uddin, owner of Salhiya Enterprise, said— “We often need to visit the PDB Building for work purposes. Whenever we come here, we fall victim to the wrath of Towhid and his accomplices. Despite multiple cases and complaints against him, there is no evidence of any visible action taken from PDB’s high officials. As a result, he and his associates are becoming desperate day by day.”

Jafor, owner of Jafor Traders, delivered a protest speech calling the Chief Engineer a failure. Another contractor alleged that criminal cases exist against them (Cases No. 214/2021 and 140/2021). He said they still walk around the Power Building chest-out and called for an investigation into who is fueling/backing them from behind.

Contractor Nazrul commented that there is no proper environment for doing business. He drew the Chief Engineer’s attention to taking appropriate action regarding this matter.

Choton, owner of E MM Enterprise, said— “No contractor can run their contracting business here without paying extortion money. I draw the Chief Engineer’s attention to this and express hope that he will take prompt action to free the PDB Building from this stain.”

Warning all extortionists, one contractor said— “As per Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s declaration, extortion will no longer be tolerated.”

Jewel, owner of S Hossain Corporation, said— “Extortionists will be suppressed with a firm hand and resisted politically as well as administratively. Extortionists will find no refuge in this PDB Building.”

Omar Faruk, owner of FH Corporation, told The Daily Morning— “Yesterday (early Sunday), the Criminal Towhid had the audacity to demand extortion money from me in broad daylight. The strict movement will continue until criminal like Towhid are eradicated.” He further added that this identified criminal demands anywhere between 5,000 to 20,000 BDT, threatening contractors in various ways if they refuse to pay. The contractor community is helpless under the harassment of Towhid and his gang.

A section of power department contractors attended the human chain, which was hosted and presented by Raju, owner of Seven Brothers.

When contacted via telephone regarding this issue, PDB Chief Engineer Kamal Uddin stated— “I have not received any written complaint regarding extortion from the contractors. If received, action will be taken after an investigation.”

It is worth noting that Towhid and his gang were previously arrested by the police multiple times in extortion cases. Conscious citizens have raised questions over how such misdeeds are openly taking place in a vital government office like Chattogram’s main Power development Board Building.