NH Chattogram Bureau: Mohammad Amirul Haque, President of the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB), has demanded effective measures to identify and arrest those involved in an extortion-related attack on the residence of Mustafizur Rahman, Chairman of Smart Group, a renowned industrialist and businessman of the country.

The demand was made in a letter sent to the Inspector General of Police on Wednesday (January 7).

In the letter, the LOAB president said an armed attack was carried out for extortion purposes at the residence of Mustafizur Rahman, Chairman of Smart Group of Industries, located on Sirajuddoula Road in the city. He described the incident as extremely unfortunate and condemnable.

He said Mustafizur Rahman is one of the country’s leading industrialists and businessmen, with significant investments in the ready-made garment sector, pharmaceuticals, LPG gas, chemical industries, and the media. Such a heinous attack on him and his family, he said, is not merely a personal matter but poses a serious threat to the overall business environment and investment security. If such incidents continue, the business community will feel increasingly insecure, which could have severe negative impacts on investment, production, and the country’s economic stability.

In light of the incident at Mustafizur Rahman’s residence, he urged the authorities to take necessary action and also to issue directives to strengthen special security measures, regular patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence surveillance in industrial areas, business hubs, and key residential zones.

LOAB President Mohammad Amirul Haque further called for swift investigations into incidents of attacks, threats, and extortion targeting the homes of industrialists and businesspeople, the identification and arrest of the perpetrators, and the imposition of strict legal action. He specifically demanded a thorough investigation into the attack on Smart Group Chairman Mustafizur Rahman and exemplary punishment for those responsible, as well as effective mechanisms for receiving complaints and providing rapid remedies in cases of extortion, terrorism, and intimidation.

He also urged the enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.