Car showroom owners protest extortion, threat
A reign of terror has gripped car showroom owners in the capital.Extortionists demand large sums from these businesses, and when the owners refuse to pay, they send photos of assault rifles, hurl cocktails near the shops, and even threaten to kidnap their children.The wave of threats and violence has left traders feeling helpless and customers scared to visit showrooms."They [extortionists] even threaten to kidnap our children, mentioning their names and schools," one showroom owner told The Dai...
A reign of terror has gripped car showroom owners in the capital.
Extortionists demand large sums from these businesses, and when the owners refuse to pay, they send photos of assault rifles, hurl cocktails near the shops, and even threaten to kidnap their children.
The wave of threats and violence has left traders feeling helpless and customers scared to visit showrooms.
"They [extortionists] even threaten to kidnap our children, mentioning their names and schools," one showroom owner told The Daily Star on condition of anonymity. "They come on motorcycles, throw cocktails in front of the showroom, and flee."
Abdul Haque, president of Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA), said at least 12 such attacks have taken place on showrooms near Kuril Biswa Road in the last six months.
"Unknown miscreants send pictures of AK-47 rifles via WhatsApp from foreign numbers and demand extortion money," Haque said. "If anyone agrees to pay, the criminals provide online payment account details or send local associates to collect the cash."
In protest, around 550 showrooms across the country remained closed for half a day yesterday.
Owners and employees formed a human chain at the Coca-Cola intersection on Pragati Sarani, issuing an ultimatum to halt all vehicle clearance, tax payments, and registrations if the situation does not improve by October 30.
Soon after the programme, Haque received another call from an unknown foreign number.
"It was from the extortionist gang," he said. "They told me, 'Hold human chains or whatever you want; you must pay us…'"
BARVIDA leaders said six general diaries have been filed over the recent attacks.
Despite informing the DMP commissioner and Rab director general, they said, the situation has not improved.
Contacted, Al Amin, additional deputy commissioner of DMP's Gulshan Zone, confirmed that several GDs were filed with Bhatara Police Station in this regard.
"Police have increased patrols in the area and are investigating the complaints with top priority," he said.