Ex-MP Mozammel Haque faces trial in Tk25 lakh extortion case

A Dhaka court has framed charges and ordered the commencement of trial in an extortion case against BM Mozammel Haque, former MP for Shariatpur-1 and organisational secretary of the Awami League, over allegations of demanding Tk25 lakh.

Judge Mahmuda Akter of Dhaka’s 14th Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court issued the order today (1 April).

According to the allegations, prior to the 2015 national elections, Awami League leader BM Mozammel Haque summoned the complainant, Khalilur Rahman, to his office in Dhanmondi through associates from Awami League and Chhatra League, demanding Tk25 lakh for election-related expenses.

Khalilur Rahman was reportedly given three days to pay, failing which he was allegedly threatened with enforced disappearance.

It is also alleged that in the subsequent election, Mozammel Haque pressured local business associations in Shariatpur to file complaints and issued threats, forcing the complainant to close his business.

Ten years later, Khalilur Rahman filed a police case regarding the matter. BM Mozammel’s lawyer, Md Liton Mia, said Mozammel appeared in court today (1 April), the complainant was present, both sides reached a settlement, the complainant declared Mozammel innocent, and has no objection if he is acquitted, noting the case was filed under others’ influence.

Earlier, BM Mozammel Haque was arrested by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch from Niketan on 5 October, 2025 and has remained in custody since.