A local BNP leader in Morelganj, Bagerhat, has been accused of stopping the construction of a madrasa building after allegedly failing to receive a Tk 2 lakh extortion payment. Contractor S M Badiuzzaman filed a written complaint with Morelganj Police Station, prompting police to visit the site on Wednesday to investigate the allegations.

According to the complaint, the four-story building of Gulishakhali Fazil Madrasa was being built by contracting firm Messrs Osman Ali. The contractor claimed that Hafizur Rahman, publicity secretary of the Nishanbari Union BNP, and several associates demanded Tk 2 lakh. When he refused, they allegedly halted the work and threatened his workers. Hafizur Rahman denied the accusation, saying the construction was stopped due to irregularities.

Madrasa principal Maulana Abdul Bari stated that the construction was proceeding according to regulations and that the institution had no complaints. However, he acknowledged hearing that the contractor had suspended work following local demands for money.