In a scene straight out of a movie, a six-foot-deep hole was mysteriously dug overnight on a journalist’s land and the soil vanished. The truth came to light the next morning. This incident, which took place in Charghatina village under Ullapara Police Station in Sirajganj, has raised serious concerns about lawlessness and political protection.

According to locals, Saif Pavel, Joint General Secretary of the Sirajganj District Chhatra Dal (JCD), along with his younger brother Parvez—an alleged operative of the banned militant group Hizb-ut Tahrir—carried out the illegal excavation and sold the soil for Tk 300,000.

The land belongs to journalist Rahid Rony, whose family has lived in the village for decades. Rahid stated, “Everyone is suffering under the tyranny of Pavel and Parvez. They use the BNP label to justify all their crimes, and the administration remains silent despite repeated complaints.”

Charghatina resident Ayub Ali, a schoolteacher for over 20 years, is the father of journalist Rahid Rony. While his eldest son works as a journalist in Dhaka, the younger sons live in the village.

But the crimes don’t stop at land grabbing. Pavel and Parvez have reportedly attacked and looted businesses and committed several acts of robbery. Pavel, a known drug addict, is also accused of extortion, narcotics trade, and thuggery. Locals say he is a heavy user of yaba and alcohol.

One widely discussed incident involves Pavel’s time as a student in China. He became addicted to drugs and was reportedly expelled from the country. Sources say he spent time in a Chinese jail due to his addiction.

Ironically, despite his own drug problems, Pavel has declared himself a local anti-drug crusader in Charghatina, frequently detaining people and acting as if he were law enforcement. Residents question who gave him this authority.

Both the central and district committees of JCD are allegedly aware of Pavel’s criminal activities, yet no action has been taken. Photos have surfaced showing Pavel’s closeness to Sirajganj JCD General Secretary Serajul Islam Seraj.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has previously warned that anyone using the party’s name for extortion or criminal activities will be expelled and face legal consequences.

The situation is further complicated by the reputation of Pavel and Parvez’s father, locally known as “Luchcha Matin.” Accused of multiple cases of rape, attempted rape, and child abuse, he has been publicly beaten several times. Despite performing Hajj and adopting religious attire, locals claim his behavior has worsened.

Community elders have called multiple village hearings demanding justice against Matin for his acts of harassment and abuse.

Journalist Rahid Rony added, “Despite receiving open threats with weapons, neither the administration nor BNP has taken any action. My wife and children, who live in the village, are under constant threat—even of abduction.”

Repeated attempts to contact Pavel for comment were unsuccessful.