ছবি: Photo: Collected
Promises of interest-free loans ranging from BDT 100,000 to BDT 10 million lured hundreds of rural villagers, including women, men, and teenagers, to travel to Dhaka under false pretenses. Authorities in Lakshmipur intercepted over 300 individuals en route to a so-called assembly in Dhaka late Sunday night, November 24.
The villagers, mainly from Ramgati and Kamalnagar upazilas, were detained by local residents and law enforcement while traveling in buses and microbuses. Police, along with military personnel, secured the vehicles and detained 11 individuals for questioning.
Deceptive Promises of Loans
Local sources revealed that the detained individuals were promised interest-free loans in exchange for attending a meeting in Dhaka. These promises were made by unknown individuals who collected forms from the villagers, charging them transport fees of BDT 1,000 per person. Many of those detained were elderly, impoverished, and daily wage earners, making them particularly vulnerable to such deceit.
Farida Begum, a resident of Char Martin and one of those detained, explained:
"We were told there would be a meeting in Dhaka, and after attending, we would receive loans of at least BDT 100,000 without any interest. I was assigned this responsibility by a woman named Umme Hani, who charged us for the bus ride."
Another detainee, Rashed from Torabganj, shared:
"They promised us loans, so we’re going to Dhaka. I filled out the form as instructed and paid the transportation costs."
Similarly, Shahabuddin, who had been transporting villagers, admitted:
"A month and a half ago, I filled out a form. We were told to go to Dhaka and join a movement. If we participate, the government will grant us loans of up to BDT 10 million. I was instructed by someone named Mizan and arranged two microbuses for the trip."
The scheme was uncovered when residents of Koraitola Bazar noticed groups of people boarding buses late at night. Suspicious of the activity, local shopkeepers and bystanders stopped the vehicles and questioned the passengers.
Mohammad Nur Alam Morshed, a local businessman and general secretary, recounted:
"We saw around 150 people boarding buses and microbuses. Upon questioning, they revealed they were heading to Dhaka for a loan scheme. These people are mostly laborers, farmers, and elderly villagers who were misled with promises of financial aid. We alerted the police and military personnel, who took the vehicles and passengers into custody."
Police from Kamalnagar and Ramgati stations confirmed detaining several buses and microbuses carrying villagers. Kamalnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Touhidul Islam stated:
"A group of conspirators is exploiting rural communities, using promises of loans to gather them for anti-government activities. We detained 11 individuals and are investigating the organizers behind this scheme. It seems to be part of a larger plan to embarrass the government."
Similarly, Ramgati Police Station OC Mohammad Kabir Hossain added:
"We intercepted two vehicles with 42 passengers last night. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the masterminds behind this fraudulent operation."
Reports indicate that many more villagers from Lakshmipur and neighboring areas may have already traveled to Dhaka under similar false promises. Authorities suspect that the scheme could be linked to anti-government elements aiming to mobilize vulnerable groups for political demonstrations under the guise of financial aid.
The detained villagers belong to some of the most vulnerable segments of society—daily wage earners, farmers, and elderly individuals. They were drawn into the scheme by promises of financial relief, reflecting the deep socioeconomic challenges faced by rural communities.
Local observers worry that such fraudulent campaigns not only exploit the poor but also destabilize communities by fostering mistrust and fear.
Law enforcement officials are focusing on uncovering the individuals and organizations behind this scheme. Investigations are also exploring whether this operation is linked to broader political or financial conspiracies.
Meanwhile, social and civic organizations are calling for greater awareness campaigns to educate rural populations about such scams and provide support to the victims.
The incident highlights how misinformation and economic desperation can be weaponized to exploit vulnerable communities. Authorities are taking steps to dismantle the network behind this fraudulent operation while ensuring that the affected villagers are protected from further harm.
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