Human chain in Pabna over extortion allegations against PM's photographer Parag, allegations denied

On Sunday (August 2) at noon, the program was held on Abdul Hamid Road in front of Pabna Press Club under the banner of ‘Conscious Citizens Society, Pabna’. Later, a memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary through the Deputy Commissioner.

In the human chain, with Abdullah Al-Noman, member of July Unity Council Pabna, as moderator, speakers included Imamur Rahman, director of Pabna Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Nur Hossain Shimul, joint convener of National Citizens Committee Pabna; Mirajul Islam Miraj, member secretary of Pabna Sadar Upazila Jubo Dal; engineer Abdullah Kabir Tanmoy, convener of July Prisoners' Alliance; and journalist Mobarak Hossain Biswas, among others.

In the memorandum, it was alleged that Khaled Hossain Parag has long been involved in putting pressure on businessmen, extortion and blackmail using his influence. Besides, allegations were also brought against him of drug use, immoral activities, sheltering accused of attacks during the July mass uprising, and intimidating journalists using the name of intelligence agencies.

It also claimed that money was taken from unemployed youths by luring them with government jobs. Additionally, the allegation stated that businessmen were forced to send extortion money to the bank account of one of his associates.

The speakers said the image of the government and BNP is being damaged due to these allegations. Therefore, they demanded an impartial investigation into Khaled Hossain Parag and his associates and legal action against them.

However, Khaled Hossain Parag denied all the allegations. He said the allegations against him are completely baseless, false and motivated. He claimed that no one can show any evidence of extortion or land grabbing anywhere. According to Parag, after exposing a corruption issue, attempts were made to influence him in various ways. Since he did not respond to that, a conspiratorial smear campaign is now being run against him.