Bangladesh police have arrested ten individuals, including a Union Parishad (UP) member and a self-proclaimed student coordinator, for allegedly extorting money from sand-laden vessels on the Jamuna River in Sirajganj’s Chauhali upazila. The arrests took place on Sunday, November 16, in the Ghorjan River area during an operation conducted by the river police. The detainees, all residents of Rehai Kaulia village under Ghorjan Union, were reportedly stopping boats and demanding illegal tolls from sand traders transporting materials from leased sand depots. According to police, the extortion group used threats and intimidation to collect money, often halting vessels or assaulting workers who refused to pay. Officer-in-Charge Firoz Ahmed of Chauhali River Police confirmed that the suspects were caught red-handed and have been sent to court under extortion charges. Authorities stated that efforts are ongoing to identify other members of the extortion network operating along the Jamuna River.