Attack on Green Biotechnology factory over extortion demands: Shots fired and cocktails exploded, 5 arrested.

Md. Imran Mahmud, Jamalpur Correspondent: A group of known armed miscreants, carrying local weapons, launched an attack on the Green Biotechnology factory in Melandah Upazila, Jamalpur, by firing blank shots and detonating cocktails (crude bombs) over demands for extortion money. With the help of locals, police arrested five miscreants from the scene. The incident occurred today, Tuesday, around 5:30 AM in the Munshi Nangla area of Nangla Union in the Upazila.

The Arrested
The arrestees were identified as:

Jannatul Humaira Jemi (22), from Munshi Nangla village, Nangla Union

Md. Masum (25), from Barkhali village, Barguna

Mohammad Sani (26), from Basudevpur village, Melandah Upazila

Likhon Ahmed Shakib (27), from Boyradanga village

Mosharraf Mia, from the same village

Details of the Attack
According to police and local sources, a group of armed miscreants, led by Jannatul Humaira Jemi and alleged Yaba trader Samiul Islam Jambu, created panic in the area early this morning by detonating cocktails and firing two rounds of blank shots in front of the factory. They then attacked the factory with local weapons.

Hearing the sounds of the gunshots and cocktail explosions, villagers rushed forward and chased the miscreants. Three were caught red-handed, while the rest initially fled. Upon receiving the news, police arrived at the scene, conducted a raid, and arrested a total of five people, including the three caught earlier, and brought them to the police station.

There are previous allegations that this group of known terrorists had attempted vandalism, arson, and looting at the factory multiple times after failing to receive extortion payments.

Factory Manager’s Statement
Nazrul Islam, Manager of Green Biotechnology, told the media, “The identified terrorists carried out a planned attack this morning demanding an extortion amount of five lakh Taka. They were equipped with rods, hockey sticks, petrol bombs, cocktails, and firearms. They first fired two rounds of blank shots and detonated cocktails. Later, they also vandalized the factory gate. This same group has attacked before demanding extortion. Our institution makes a significant contribution to the rural economy of Jamalpur district, yet this industrial factory is now facing the threat of destruction due to the continuous terrorism of a few miscreants.” He demanded a swift end to the terrorist activities and stated that a case would be filed with the police station regarding the incident.

Police Statement
Melandah Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shafiqul Islam told the media, “A group of armed and known miscreants attempted to attack the factory by detonating cocktails. Upon receiving the news, we conducted an operation at the scene and in the area, arresting five individuals. The miscreants even tried to obstruct the police during the arrest.” He added that preparations are underway to file a case at the police station regarding the incident.