We are alarmed by the allegations of extortion and intimidation emerging from Kalyanpur Porabosti, highlighting a culture of criminal control over the capital’s vulnerable communities. According to a report by this daily, several groups allegedly linked to ruling party affiliates have been involved in extortion, forced evictions, and grabbing of shops and homes in the slum area. Victims claim that police have turned a blind eye to the allegations instead of taking legal action. Our reporters came across about 15 such incidents, which show how political identities continue to be used as shields for criminal activities in Dhaka’s slums.
For years, slums and informal settlements in the capital have been defenceless against domination by politically connected groups. Control over shops, housing, utility services, transport, scrap businesses, and local contracting work often creates opportunities for extortion and violence. The latest allegations from Kalyanpur Porabosti point to a deep-rooted system that has survived political transitions and continues to thrive through fear and impunity. Victims have described being assaulted, abducted, threatened into signing documents, dispossessed of property, or forced to pay regular extortion money simply to continue living or running businesses in the area.
In at least one instance, police were accused of pressuring a victim to settle with the accused, while others said they received no remedy even after filing general diaries or cases. Such inaction further emboldens the criminals. According to the victims, some residents were threatened or evicted based on allegations of participating in Awami League rallies. The entire situation is worrisome. While the accused individuals claim affiliation with the ruling party, local BNP leaders have denied any organisational link with them. Whether these individuals genuinely belong to a political party or are simply exploiting political branding for influence, the responsibility ultimately lies with the political leadership as well as the state to ensure that no one can use party affiliation as a licence for extortion, land grabbing, and violence.
Residents of slums and informal settlements are often the easiest targets for extortionists because they usually lack legal protection, political influence, and financial security. These areas cannot be allowed to become places where criminal groups operate as parallel authorities. The law enforcement agencies must thoroughly investigate the allegations of Kalyanpur Porabosti residents, ensure protection for the victims and witnesses, and bring those responsible to justice regardless of their claimed political affiliations. Failure to do so will only normalise the extortion culture that has plagued the country for far too long.
