A BNP ward president has been accused of orchestrating an attack on a businessman’s property in Sylhet after he allegedly refused to pay 5 lakh taka in extortion money.

The attack took place around 9pm on Thursday in Bonkolapara area of Subid Bazar, where the attackers allegedly vandalised the property and looted valuables worth around 15 lakh taka.

The businessman, Md Abdul Bashir Khan Ismail, 28, filed a written complaint with Airport Police Station on Friday night, accusing 20 named individuals, including Abdul Wadud Milon, president of BNP’s Ward No. 7 unit, and expelled district Jubo Dal leader Jamal Ahmed Khan, known as Kala Jamal. Another 40 to 50 unidentified people were also accused.

According to the complaint, an influential group had long been attempting to occupy 24 decimals of the family’s land forcibly and demanding a large sum of money in exchange.

The attackers allegedly arrived armed with machetes, cleavers, iron rods, pipes, bamboo sticks, Chinese axes and knives. They broke into the semi-pucca and tin-shed structures, smashing doors and windows before looting tin sheets, doors, windows, iron rods and other valuables.

The complaint estimated the value of the stolen items at around 15 lakh taka. The attackers also allegedly threatened to kill local residents who tried to intervene.

Speaking about the incident, Abdul Bashir Khan Ismail said none of his family members lived at the property, which was looked after by a caretaker.

He alleged that the accused had repeatedly demanded money from the caretaker, initially asking for 2 lakh taka before raising the amount to 5 lakh taka.

“When we refused to pay, they attacked the property on Thursday night, looting and vandalising everything. The attack was carried out by Kala Jamal and Shafik under the instructions of the Ward No. 7 BNP president,” he alleged.

He said the family was now concerned about the safety of the property.

However, Jamal Ahmed Khan, also known as Kala Jamal, denied involvement, claiming that the allegations were part of a conspiracy against him because he planned to contest the upcoming councillor election.

“I have nothing to do with this. The caretaker had a dispute with local residents, and a local arbitration meeting was also held over the matter. The caretaker had previously filed a complaint with the police. I was not there on Thursday. I stand with the local residents,” he said.

Abdul Wadud Milon, president of BNP's Ward No. 7 unit, also denied knowledge of the attack.

“I know nothing about this or who carried out the vandalism. The police informed me about the incident, and I later went there. Apparently, there was a dispute involving local residents,” he said.

Airport Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidur Rahman said an officer had been assigned to investigate the complaint.

“We have assigned an officer to investigate the matter following receipt of the complaint. He is conducting the investigation. Police regularly patrol the area,” he said.

Sylhet Metropolitan BNP President Nasim Hossain said he was unaware of the incident and would look into the allegations.

He said disputes frequently occurred in the area and that the party had repeatedly urged police to increase patrols.

Hossain added that he had spoken to the deputy commissioner (North) of police on Thursday, requesting special patrols in the disputed area of Bonkolapara in Subid Bazar.