American-Bangladeshi alleges assault, death threats in Gazipur

He is currently visiting his ancestral home in Bhogra

A non-resident Bangladeshi has filed a police complaint in Gazipur, alleging he was assaulted and threatened with death by the sons of a local BNP leader over a dispute regarding a utility connection.

The victim, Akram Hossain, a Bangladeshi origin US citizen, is staying at his ancestral residence at Bhogra Madhyapara in Gazipur city.

He filed the complaint with Basan Police Station on Sunday.

The suspects are Azharul Islam Azad, Faizul Islam, and Rokon, identified with a single name, all sons of Gias Uddin, the senior vice president of the Basan Thana unit of the BNP.

Akram said he owns a building and several shops in the Bhogra area.

He told reporters that he and a few others had personally purchased a transformer years ago to secure an electricity connection from Palli Bidyut for their properties.

The altercation reportedly began on Wednesday when Azharul attempted to draw a power connection from Akram’s private transformer for a newly constructed tin-shed rental house nearby.

"He, along with Faizul and Rokon, attacked me and began hurling abusive words," Akram said.

The expatriate also alleged that the attackers forcibly shuttered his shops and threatened to kill him if he interfered with the electricity connection.

Residents eventually intervened to rescue him.

Basan Police chief Harun-or-Rashid confirmed receiving a complaint over the matter.