Industrialists and business owners in Chattogram are facing escalating extortion threats from fugitive crime bosses operating from abroad. According to police and victims, top underworld figure Sajjad Ali Khan, known as ‘Boro Sajjad,’ has been demanding millions of taka through phone and WhatsApp, with violent attacks following refusals. Even police guards failed to prevent a second armed assault on Smart Group chairman Mostafizur Rahman’s residence in Chandgaon after he declined to pay. The extortion network reportedly spans construction, brick kilns, and transport sectors across multiple city areas.

Law enforcement sources say Sajjad, believed to be hiding in India, controls criminal operations in at least five police jurisdictions through dozens of local informants. His associates, including ‘Chhoto Sajjad,’ Mohammad Raihan, and Habib Khan, are accused of murder, arms trafficking, and widespread extortion. Police have sought Interpol’s help to bring Sajjad back, while the Chattogram Metropolitan Police has launched the ‘Hello CMP’ app for citizens to report extortion.

Business leaders warn that fear of retaliation and lack of effective protection are discouraging investment in the port city, raising concerns about long-term economic stability.