Raiganj Correspondent:

Extortion allegation has been intensified against VP Aynul Haque, who secured BNP nomination for Sirajganj-3 (Raiganj-Tarash) constituency ahead of 13^th national parliamentary election.

A college teacher has brought the allegation of realizing Tk 10 lakh and demanding more Tk 10 lakh as extortion from him using political power. The teacher was threatened to face dire consequences, if the demand is not met.

A written complaint sent by Lutfar Rahman Sheikh, Vice-Principal (Acting Principal) of Hazi Wahed Mariam Degree College in Chandaikona of Raiganj upazila in Sirajganj district, to BNP top bosses including party’s acting Chairman Tarique Rahman revealed that, Aynul Haque, a potential BNP candidate for Sirajganj-3 (Raiganj-Tarash) constituency, has been engaged in extortion in the area using political ‘tags’ since after August 5 with the fall of Awami League government.

As the college teacher Lutfar failed to pay the demanded extortion money to the BNP leader Aynul, he can’t enter into the college to serve his professional duty.

The victim teacher Lutfar Rahman said, “I am being deprived of my salary, because they (Aynul and his men) in collaboration with the acting principal of the college have withheld my salary. I have been leading inhuman life with my family. I am also facing insecurity and don’t dare to move anywhere freely in fear of assault or any other harassment.”

“I informed the matter to district and upazila administration several times seeking remedy. But, they did not pay heeds in this regard due to current political transformation issues. Finding no better way, I have submitted a complaint to the local army camp, but to no effect” he added.

Meanwhile, local BNP and Jama’at leaders and activists said that, organizational action was taken against Aynul Haque last October for several reasons, including forging ties with the Awami League. He was suspended from all activities of the organization for three months. Later, the expulsion order against him was withdrawn and he was nominated by BNP for Sirajganj-3 constituency. However, political analysts believe that, it is necessary to investigate whether such allegations are a political conspiracy before the election.

When this correspondent attempted several times to contact with him over cell phone on Sunday afternoon for his comment in this regard, he could not be reached. Even, VP Aynul did not reply to messages sent by this journalist.