DeskReport
A syndicate is regularly extorting money from clinics and diagnostic centers in Madhukhali, Faridpur. Members of the syndicate are regularly extorting money from these institutions in the upazila and forcing doctors to prescribe low-quality medicines. There have even been allegations of threatening Gyanbrata Shuvo, a doctor at the Upazila Health Complex, for prescribing low-quality medicines.
It was found that the members of this group are the convener of the municipal Chhatra Dal, Rajab Islam Roni, the joint convener of the upazila Chhatra Dal, Mikail Biswas and Rian Rahman Nayon, and two other Chhatra Dal workers named Nahidur Rahman Apu and Tutul Biswas. Among them, Nahidur Rahman Apu is in charge of collecting donations. However, he claims that the money is collected by those in high positions.
The footage shows that Nahidur Rahman Apu first entered the institution. After a while, he came out and kicked a motorcycle outside. Then he called on his mobile. Within a while, Rajab Islam Roni, Mikail Biswas, Rian Rahman Nayan, Tutul Biswas and some others appeared there.
Then he entered and dragged and punched Tanvir Islam Shuvo and brought him out. At that time, he also beat up doctor Imtiaz Hossain Ark when he tried to stop him.
Two days after the incident, on May 13, Imtiaz Hossain Ark filed a case against the accused in the Amli Court No. 4 of the Faridpur Senior Judicial Magistrate. Although he chambers in the institution in the afternoon, he works as an assistant registrar in the medicine department of Faridpur Medical College Hospital.
When asked, Imtiaz Hossain Ark told Ajker Patrika, “Since my village is in Madhukhali Upazila, I chamber in that institution in the afternoon. A few days ago, a member of the gang, Nahidur Rahman Apu, came and demanded a bribe of 2 lakh taka, saying that if you want to practice here, you have to pay monthly. In addition, they told you that you have to prescribe medicines from the specified company. When we refused to do this and protested, we were attacked and vandalized.
Imtiaz Hossain said that the gang has formed a syndicate by making commission agreements with various low-quality pharmaceutical companies. They enter private clinics and diagnostic centers, including the Upazila Health Complex, and directly threaten doctors to prescribe medicines from the specified company. In addition, they collect a bribe of 2 to 5 thousand taka from each institution every month.
Imtiaz Hossain also said that the gang attacked and vandalized the neighboring Saleha Diagnostic Center a few days ago. They took a bribe of 5 thousand taka from another institution called Sonolab.
Abdul Hakim, the owner of Saleha Diagnostic Center, said, “I had a problem with some local drug dealers here. But the matter was resolved immediately.’ However, he avoided talking about who attacked.
Denying the allegations, Nahidur Rahman Apu said, ‘I work as a representative, why should I collect money? Leaders of some big posts collect money of 8-10 thousand taka every month. I will not name them for the sake of brothers.’
Regarding the attack, Nahidur Rahman said, ‘After August 5, I protected these institutions from vandalism and looting. That doctor abused me for asking for a motorcycle. Then I called my friends.’
When asked, Upazila Chhatra Dal member secretary Md. Saddam Biswas said, ‘They are involved in various terrorist activities. We have informed the district committee about the matter. Because, those who tarnish the image of the party and engage in immoral activities for their own interests should be punished to the maximum extent.’
Assistant Superintendent of Police (Madhukhali Circle) Imrul Hasan said, ‘No one has filed a complaint about extortion till date. Action will be taken after investigation if a complaint is received. However, we have made the Upazila Health Complex free from brokers.’
