AC Land Threatened After Extortion for Fake Journalist Stopped

Allegations have surfaced that a man identifying himself as a journalist, Apel Mahmud, regularly extorted monthly protection money (mahoshara) from the Mohammadpur Revenue Circle Land Office in the capital. According to complaints, he collected BDT 10,000 per month through a staff member named Emdad. About two months ago, the matter came to the attention of Tanjila Jannat Retina, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of the Mohammadpur Revenue Circle, who then sought clarification.

​Sources indicate that when questioned, Emdad stated the money was paid under the instructions of Land Assistant Officer Shafique. Upon learning of this, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) immediately ordered an end to these payments.

​Sources further allege that upon discovering the payments had been halted, Apel Mahmud began issuing various threats to the Assistant Commissioner. It is claimed he even threatened harm through listed top criminals and warned of publishing fabricated corruption allegations and holding press conferences with so-called victims if the extortion payments were not reinstated.

​Multiple sources revealed a close connection between Apel Mahmud and land assistant officer Shafique. Allegations suggest Mahmud was involved in Shafique’s illegal wealth accumulation, including money laundering and purchasing property in Italy, where Mahmud reportedly acted as an intermediary.

​Aside from the Mohammadpur circle, Mahmud is accused of regularly extorting money from land offices in Mirpur, Cantonment, and Tejgaon. According to complainants, he exerted undue influence over officials to secure favors for land mutation and other services.

​Officials who objected to these unethical demands were reportedly pressured through negative news coverage across various media and online platforms.

​Mahmud reportedly identifies himself as a journalist for the daily Kaler Kantho, but investigations reveal he was dismissed long ago due to misconduct.

​Further investigative findings suggest Mahmud has accumulated massive wealth disproportionate to his known income sources. Allegations include ownership of a car, BDT 2 million in savings certificates, a BDT 4.1 million FDR in Trust Bank, a flat in Uttara Sector 11, and multiple houses and flats in Narsingdi.
Furthermore, his child is reportedly studying in Canada, and his wife owns a boutique business along with shares in various enterprises.

​Mahmud is also accused of having close historical ties to the Awami League and acting as an associate of former Member of Parliament Habib Hasan in the Uttara area. Allegations claim he maintains political ties and aids political activities by supplying information.

​When an attempt was made to contact Apel Mahmud via mobile phone, he could not be reached.