“Pay up or die by bullets” — this is the fear gripping people of Khulna as extortionists increasingly target businesses, private hospitals, clinics, doctors, landowners and even government officials.
A series of shootings, killings and armed attacks linked to extortion and territorial control has been reported across the region in recent months. Ordinary citizens, political activists, teachers, schoolgirls, women and passers-by have also fallen victim to the violence.
Although law enforcement agencies say they are recovering illegal firearms and arresting criminals, the killings have continued unabated.
Between January 1 and November 2 this year, 75 people were murdered in Khulna — 37 in the metropolitan area and 38 in the district. Seven killings were reported in the past 12 days alone, including four in the last two days.
Among the latest victims was a leader of the Khulna Metropolitan Unit of Jatiyatabadi Tanti Dal. Five people were also shot during the same period, including three current and former leaders of Jubo Dal.
Relatives and police said Syed Humayun Kabir, joint convener of the Khulna Metropolitan Unit of Tanti Dal, was hacked to death on Sunday, allegedly by a group led by a Chhatra Dal leader.
Humayun's nephew, Syed Didarul Alam Biplob, accused Arafat Hossain, convener of Chhatra Dal's ward 14 unit in the city, of being responsible for the killing.
Biplob made the allegation while speaking to journalists in front of his uncle's body at Khulna Medical College Hospital around 7:30pm on Sunday.
Doctors, officials targeted for extortion
Even police officers have not been spared from attacks. On October 9, miscreants hacked Police Inspector Shah Alam, leaving him injured.
Despite law enforcement efforts to curb crime, the situation remains largely uncontrolled. Police officials say many victims' families are reluctant to file cases. A Khulna police official said the situation was worsening as criminals were released on bail and returned to criminal activities.
Police and local sources said a criminal group known as B Company, formed by alleged top criminal Rony Chowdhury, also known as Grenade Babu, had demanded Tk1 crore from a prominent doctor near Khulna Commerce College.
The doctor reportedly closed his chamber and went into hiding out of fear. Another doctor in the same area was allegedly asked to pay Tk2 crore and left for India. Neither has filed a police complaint. Several other doctors have reportedly received similar demands.
On October 7, Sub-Registrar Tanmoy Kumar Mondal was allegedly taken at gunpoint from the Khulna Sadar Sub-Registrar's Office and threatened with extortion demands. Sources claimed he was released on the condition that he pay the group Tk35 lakh every month. However, the sub-registrar has denied that any extortion demand was made.
Sondhani Clinic authorities were also allegedly asked to pay Tk10 crore. After the demand was not met, the clinic was vandalised and shots were fired. The institution did not file a case, but police at Khulna Sadar Police Station lodged one on its behalf. Sources claimed the matter was subsequently settled for Tk1 crore.
Earlier, on August 8, Botiaghata Upazila Food Controller Anindya Kumar Das was beaten and an attempt was made to abduct him after he allegedly refused to pay extortion money. He escaped with the help of locals but reportedly had to pay the demanded money to secure his release.
According to sources, on October 28, Babu, manager of Chayanika Pharmacy on Central Road in Tutpara, was threatened with demands for Tk20 lakh and 10 motorcycles. He shut the establishment and went into hiding. The pharmacy remains closed.
On the same evening, miscreants vandalised Chinese Palace on Ahsan Ahmed Road.
Two days earlier, on October 25, armed men reportedly staged a show of force at Sondhani Clinic's second branch in Shonadanga. Sources claimed the clinic authorities reached a settlement with the criminals two days later.
On October 26, Paikgachha Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Ahsanara Binte Ahmed was allegedly threatened with death and asked to pay extortion money. She was reportedly told that she had to give either money or blood. After she filed a written complaint with the local police station, two people were detained. She said she had been living in fear since the incident.
On October 25, Paikgachha Upazila Bar Association President GM Abdus Sattar and General Secretary GM Akkas Ali separately received phone threats demanding large sums of money. Both filed written complaints with police.
Police later conducted a raid in Rampal, Bagerhat, and arrested a man identified as Imran, reportedly known as Grenade Babu, along with his wife and mother.
Shootings and attacks fuel fear
Alongside extortion, shootings and armed attacks have also increased in Khulna.
On October 24, college lecturer and grocery shop owner Dhananjay Kundu, also known as Akash Kundu, 45, was shot and injured. On October 27, miscreants shot Salman, a delivery worker for a cigarette company, in the city's Nirala area.
Jubo Dal activist Sohel was shot in Botiaghata on October 26, while the organisation's president, Ohidul Islam Badal, was shot the following day. Both are receiving treatment in Dhaka. Jubo Dal leader Ramim Biswas was also shot and injured in Madhupur Union of Terokhada on October 24.
On October 22, Khushi, wife of a man known as Blade Babu, was shot in the Jinnapara area under Labancara Police Station. On the same day, Tushar, a member of criminal Palash Group, was shot dead in the Purba Baniakhhamar area under Sadar Police Station.
On October 17, Jumman, also known as Jumma, was shot at Tutpara Amtala intersection. The same day, an unidentified motorcyclist was targeted by gunmen at Bakultala intersection on Moulvi's Dargah Road, but escaped unharmed after the bullets missed. Also that day, Md Alam, joint general secretary of the Khulna Metropolitan Hawkers' Union, was seriously injured in a knife attack near Nixon Market on Clay Road.
On October 10, Ashikuzzaman Jony was shot in the third lane of Kashemnagar. Earlier in October, regional leader of the Purba Banglar Communist Party Md Nasimul Gani, also known as Nasim, was shot dead while having tea outside his home in the Formayshkhana area of Digholia.
Nine criminal groups under scrutiny
The names of nine criminal groups have repeatedly emerged in connection with recent incidents in Khulna. Their members are reportedly so brazen that they do not hesitate to open fire in crowded areas.
Multiple police sources identified the groups as B Company, formed by Rony Chowdhury alias Grenade Babu; Palash Group, led by Sheikh Palash; Nur Azim Group; Ashik Bahini; Huma Bahini, associated with Humayun Kabir; Tengki Shawon Group, led by Sheikh Saidur Rahman alias Shawon; Arman Group, led by Arman Sheikh; Shakil Group, led by Shakil Sheikh; and Nasim Group.
Law enforcement sources said Babu's group exercises influence across much of Khulna City. Nur Azim and Ashik groups are active in the areas under Khulna Sadar and Labancara police stations, while Shawon's group operates in Shonadanga and Khalishpur. Arman Group and Huma Bahini reportedly have influence in Daulatpur and Khan Jahan Ali areas.
Nasim Group's leader, Nasimul Gani, was shot dead in Digholia Upazila on October 4. In recent months, shootings and killings have been more frequent in Khulna Sadar, Labancara and Harintana areas.
Several senior district police sources said smaller armed groups were also active in Digholia, Aranghata, Koyra, Paikgacha and Dumuria. Some members of these groups are allegedly involved in drug and arms trading. They frequently clash over local dominance, land, fish enclosures, sand trading, transport and control of contracting businesses.
Police acknowledge criminals' growing boldness
Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch Mohammad Ahaduzzaman Mia said most killings were linked to drug-related disputes.
“Police arrest listed criminals, but some of them get out on bail and become active again. Ordinary people are also unwilling to speak out against criminals. This is another major problem. We are trying to bring the situation under control,” he said.
He added that drug-related crime was particularly prevalent in Khulna, with criminal syndicates often operating through teenagers and young people from slum areas. Police were working to identify and arrest those involved, he said.
Khulna Superintendent of Police Omar Faruk Sarker said police were conducting block raids, targeted operations and house-to-house searches based on lists of suspected criminals to curb crime across the district.
“Most of the killings in Khulna are linked to drug trading. We are conducting operations at drug hotspots. We are also trying to coordinate with the judiciary to prevent hardened criminals from securing bail quickly,” he said.
He expressed hope that crime would be brought under control soon and Khulna would once again become a peaceful city.