Government says Rajbari killing was extortion-linked, not ‘communal violence’

Police say the dead was an extortionist, arrested his associate with foreign-made firearms

The government has dismissed claims that a man was killed in Rajbari in sectarian violence, calling reports circulating on social media and in some outlets “misleading”.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Advisor’s Office, citing police, said the incident stemmed from extortion and subsequent violence.

According to the statement, the dead, identified as 30-year-old Amrito Mondal alias Samrat, went to Pangsa Upazila to extort money and was killed during clashes with agitated locals on Wednesday.

Police said Samrat was a top criminal and had been accused in several cases, including murder and extortion filed in 2023, with arrest warrants pending against him.

Police also said they detained one of his associates, identified only as Selim, along with a foreign-made pistol and a pipe gun. Three cases have already been filed in connection with the incident.

The government condemned the killing, saying it does not support any form of unlawful activity, “mob violence” or violence. It said legal action will be taken against all those directly or indirectly involved, and law-enforcing agencies are continuing their investigation.

It also expressed concern over attempts by a group to portray the incident as a communal attack by highlighting the victim’s religious identity.

Such claims, the government said, are baseless, ill-motivated and risk harming social harmony and public order.

Urging people to act responsibly, it called on all to refrain from spreading “misleading, provocative or communal narratives”.

Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, the statement said, adding that any attempt to disrupt peace and stability will be dealt with firmly.