Businesses across greater Mirpur are facing extortion demands from at least five criminal groups, with traders and entrepreneurs allegedly being forced to pay multiple groups operating in the same areas.
The groups have established networks across Mirpur, Pallabi and Rupnagar, targeting businesses ranging from dish and internet services, bus stands and rickshaw garages to housing projects, restaurants and markets. Those who refuse to pay allegedly face threats, shootings and attacks.
At the centre of the growing extortion network is the Five Star group, whose alleged top leaders are abroad but whose followers continue to operate locally. Intelligence sources cited in the report estimate that the group has at least 2,000 followers on the ground.
The group was previously known as Four Star but is now being referred to as Five Star following the emergence of Ashik, leader of the teenage gang “Bhoi-ra De,” according to local sources.
The alleged top leaders of the group are Mamun, Shahadat, Ibrahim and Moktar. Intelligence information says Mamun is in Malaysia, Ibrahim in France, Shahadat in Italy and Moktar in India, while Ashik is reportedly in Nepal.
Despite being abroad, the alleged leaders are said to be running their networks through associates in Mirpur using mobile applications, encrypted calls, WhatsApp and VoIP services.
According to intelligence information, at least 150 active cadres are involved in field-level operations for the group.
Mamun’s alleged network
Mamun has been identified as a listed fugitive convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. He has at least 27 cases against him involving allegations of extortion, murder, drug trading, arms and robbery, according to the report.
His alleged associates include Jamilur Rahman, Mashiur Rahman, Delwar Hossain Rubel, Nata Alamgir, Kala Motaleb, Rajon, Sunny and Langra Rubel.
A number of audio clips allegedly containing extortion demands, threats and disputes over the collection of money have recently gone viral.
In one such clip, Ashik is allegedly heard demanding Tk50 lakh from a businessman and saying project work would have to stop if the money was not paid.
When the businessman says another group has already collected money from him, Ashik allegedly responds that it is not his concern who took the money.
Businesses caught in the crossfire
Local businesses say they are increasingly being caught between competing criminal groups, with some allegedly having to pay more than one group operating in the same area.
A resident, Arafat, alleged that shootings in Pallabi have taken place over extortion disputes and that demands for money were also linked to shooting incidents in Kafrul and Rupnagar.
Another resident, Sujon, said groups linked to Mamun and Ashik have a strong presence in Pallabi, Kalshi and Baunia.
He alleged that people who pay one group are subsequently approached by another group for money, while those who refuse can face shootings or attacks with machetes.
The extortion disputes have also intensified territorial conflicts among the groups, contributing to frequent shootings in Mirpur, Pallabi and Rupnagar, according to residents.
What law enforcement says
Mirpur division Deputy Commissioner Tanvir Sarkar, RAB-4 Additional SP K N Niyoti Roy and DMP Detective Branch chief Shafiqul Islam have spoken about the criminal networks and law enforcement efforts in the area, according to the report.
The authorities say law enforcement agencies are working to identify and take action against those involved in criminal activities and extortion.
For businesses in greater Mirpur, however, the problem remains a daily reality, with competing groups allegedly demanding payments and leaving traders caught between the threat of paying and the risk of retaliation.
