A controversy has erupted in Nachol Upazila of Chapainawabganj over the presence of Al Meharab Golam Zakaria, the chairman of Kasba Union Parishad and an accused in a registered extortion case, at a law and order committee meeting. The meeting, held on Thursday (August 21) at 11 a.m. in the Nachol Upazila Parishad conference room, was chaired by Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Kamal Hossain and attended by Nachol Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Monirul Islam, along with other notable individuals.
Zakaria, named in an extortion case filed at Nachol Police Station, was seated in a chair in front of the OC during the meeting, sparking widespread criticism among attendees and conscious citizens. At one point, the UNO prohibited journalists from taking photographs of the meeting. The OC left the venue abruptly, citing a meeting in the district.
During the meeting, Zakaria alleged that OC Monirul Islam, acting as a supporter of the Awami League, had filed a false extortion case against him. He demanded justice against the OC. BNP leader Durul Hoda supported Zakaria, stating that if the chairman is innocent, he should be dropped from the case, and if guilty, appropriate action should be taken.
It is known that in August, one Anowara Begum from Rajshahi filed an extortion case at Nachol Police Station, naming Zakaria as the 9th accused. Nachol Police confirmed that Zakaria has not yet obtained bail in this case.
OC Monirul Islam stated that he was reluctant to attend the meeting, but the UNO had assured him that Zakaria would not be present. However, upon arrival, he found the accused attending the meeting. UNO Kamal Hossain clarified that the case is under investigation and has not yet been charge-sheeted. The district administration has been informed of the matter.