Fear and Disorder Grip in Srimangal as Violence and Extortion Escalate

Sangram Datta: In the quiet hills of Moulvibazar, Srimangal was once known for its tea gardens and calm rhythms of rural life. Today, the town is gripped by fear. A surge of mob violence, extortion, and politically linked crime has left residents anxious, silenced, and uncertain about what might happen next.

On Friday evening, October 10, a young man from a tea worker’s family was publicly humiliated in the middle of Srimangal town. Witnesses said a group of youths stopped him, inspected his phone, and forced him to squat while holding his ears — an act intended to shame. The scene, recorded by bystanders, quickly went viral after journalist Ripon Dey shared it on his verified Facebook page.

The footage ignited public anger. “There is no law and order left in Srimangal,” one commenter wrote.

Eleven days have passed since a schoolgirl from a minority community vanished without a trace. Police have yet to offer clear answers. The unresolved disappearance has deepened anxiety among residents who say they no longer feel safe letting their children walk alone.

Local sources describe a pattern of impunity and intimidation. Since early August, incidents of arson, assault, and false accusations have multiplied. Residents allege that a politically connected group operates behind many of these crimes, using threats and violence to secure money and influence.

Though several figures tied to the former ruling party are now in custody, others accused of similar offenses remain free. Ordinary citizens — particularly those without political ties — say they face harassment and fear retaliation for speaking out.

In one recent case, a group of men demanded extortion money from the home of a primary school headteacher. The incident, caught on video, spread rapidly online. The accused political leader was later expelled from his party, following intense public criticism.

In nearby Bhunabir Union, a fire erupted from a Chevron Bangladesh gas pipeline after illegal siphoning ignited the condensate. Three members of one family were killed. Locals claim that for nearly two decades, a criminal network has been stealing from the pipeline — often with little interference. Despite sporadic arrests, the ringleaders remain untouched.

Illegal Sand Mining Continues Unchecked

Across Srimangal and its outskirts, illegal sand extraction from rivers and canals continues almost daily. Officials occasionally raid the sites, but arrests are limited to drivers and laborers. The financiers, locals say, are “known to everyone — yet answerable to no one.”

The cumulative effect, residents say, is a town living in fear. “Srimangal has become a city of silence,” said one local journalist who requested anonymity. “People see what’s happening, but they’re too afraid to speak.”

Online Misinformation Adds to the Chaos

As tensions rise, fake social media accounts have begun spreading rumors and personal attacks. One account used the photo of a local police officer under a woman’s name. In another incident, scammers cloned the phone number of the district commissioner, Md. Israil Hossain, to demand money — forcing the official to issue a public warning on his verified Facebook page.

For now, the calls for justice and safety continue to echo across Srimangal’s neighborhoods.

“We just want a city where people can walk without fear,” said one resident. “Where the law protects everyone — not just the powerful.”