A rubber trader named Omar Faruk, aged 30, was allegedly attacked in Lama upazila of Bandarban after refusing to pay Tk 1 million in extortion money. The allegation was made by his father, Abdus Sabur Babul, during a press conference at the Lama Reporters Unity auditorium on Thursday evening. He claimed that Mahfuz Alam alias Masum, 28, and his associates had long been threatening them for money. Despite paying Tk 15,000 earlier, the group reportedly demanded Tk 1 million more and threatened to destroy their rubber plantation if unpaid.

According to Babul, the attackers, led by Mahfuz Alam, assaulted Omar Faruk on April 14 near Badon’s computer shop in Aziznagar Bazar while he was returning home on a motorcycle with two employees. The assailants allegedly used hockey sticks and iron rods, leaving Faruk seriously injured. He was first taken to Lohagara Health Complex and later transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment. The family has sought administrative protection and is preparing to file a case.

Mahfuz Alam has denied all allegations, calling them false.