PABNA, Aug 03 (V7N) — A group of citizens in Pabna held a human chain and submitted a memorandum demanding an investigation into allegations brought against Khaled Hossain Parag, the personal photographer of the Prime Minister and convener of the district unit of Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas).
The protesters alleged that Parag was involved in extortion, land grabbing, financial fraud by promising government jobs and issuing threats to journalists. The allegations were raised during a demonstration organised by the Conscious Citizens Society of Pabna in front of the Pabna Press Club on Abdul Hamid Road on Sunday afternoon.
The programme was coordinated by Abdullah Al Noman, a member of the July Oikya Parishad in Pabna. Several local representatives and community members expressed solidarity with the protest, including Pabna Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director Imamur Rahman, National Citizen Committee Pabna Joint Convener Nur Hossain Shimul, Pabna Sadar Upazila Jubo Dal Member Secretary Mirajul Islam Miraj, July Political Prisoners Alliance Convener Engineer Abdullah Kabir Tanmoy and journalist Mobarak Hossain Biswas.
In a memorandum signed by Imamur Rahman, the protesters alleged that Parag had used his position and influence to pressure members of the business community, engage in extortion and carry out blackmail for an extended period.
The memorandum also contained allegations of involvement in various illegal activities, including misuse of influence, threats against media workers and taking money from unemployed youths by allegedly promising government jobs.
It further alleged that Parag used an associate, Md. Abdul Nahid Mia Mithun of Dilalpur area, to pressure businesspeople into sending alleged extortion payments to an account at Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC.
The protesters claimed that such activities by a person associated with a high-profile position have damaged the reputation of political and government institutions and created concern among local businesspeople and political communities. They demanded the immediate arrest of Parag and his alleged associate, followed by a fair investigation and exemplary punishment if the allegations are proven.
After the demonstration, the protesters submitted a written memorandum to the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister through Pabna Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam.
Responding to the allegations, Khaled Hossain Parag denied all accusations, describing them as false and baseless.
"There is no truth in the allegations made against me. If they can prove where, when and from whom I took money or occupied land, they should present the evidence," he said.
Parag claimed that the allegations were linked to his efforts to highlight corruption related to the "Balis scandal" and alleged that some people were attempting to pressure him after failing to influence his actions.
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