Chittagong Trader Attempts Suicide on Facebook Live Over Alleged Extortion Claims
A 48-year-old spice shop owner in Chittagong attempted suicide by ingesting poison while broadcasting live on Facebook early Friday, citing persistent extortion attempts by individuals allegedly claiming affiliation with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The shopkeeper, Suman Ghosh, who operates a business in the city's Boxirhat area under the name "Swapan Ghosh and Sons," was discovered by neighbors and rushed to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Medical staff have confirmed that he is currently receiving treatment in the hospital’s 14th ward and is considered out of danger.
In the viral video, Ghosh alleged that three brothers—identified as Shamsher Ali, Ayub Ali, and Shahadat Ali—have been demanding extortion money disguised as shop rent ever since the fall of the Awami League government. Ghosh claimed that his refusal to pay led to his incarceration for five months on allegations of political ties to the former ruling party, and further alleged that the trio forced his wife to sign a rental agreement while he was behind bars. Ghosh stated during the broadcast that the psychological distress caused by these demands prompted his attempt to take his own life.
Local law enforcement officials noted that the shop is currently the subject of a property dispute. While the accused individuals are recognized as BNP supporters in the area, police reports indicate that Ghosh has been active in local Jubo League politics and was previously arrested as a suspect in a 2005 criminal case.
Following the broadcast, Ayub Ali filed a general diary (GD) with the Kotwali Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Abu Zayed Nazmun Noor stated that authorities are investigating the allegations and will take appropriate legal action once the facts are verified.
Chittagong City BNP Member Secretary Nazimur Rahman distanced the party from the incident, stating that no formal complaints regarding extortion in the party’s name had been filed with their leadership. He added that the matter remains a police investigation to determine the veracity of the claims.
