‘Hand over to police if anyone tries to extort money in my name’

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has requested that anyone attempting to extort money or seek illegal benefits using his name be handed over to the police.

The adviser made this request during a live broadcast on his verified Facebook page on Saturday.

Asif Nazrul, who also serves as an adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, said, "Before and after assuming my government role, many people have requested to take pictures with me. I attended many events before joining the government, and many people took photos with me. Some have informed me that certain individuals are using these photos to gain illegal benefits. Some have even attempted to extort money by making various claims. I have heard these things, though I don’t know what is true or false."

He continued, "I strongly condemn this. Anyone involved in such activities or attempting to do so should be handed over to the police. If anyone tries to extort money or gain illegal benefits using my name in any way, please hand them over to the police and file a case. Send me a copy of the case via Facebook. I will certainly try to take action against this."

He said, "Neither I nor anyone in my government will tolerate any form of illegal activity. I issue a stern warning to those trying to engage in such activities: do not commit any injustice against the people of Bangladesh, and do not use our names."

"Refrain from any form of extortion, illegal benefit collection, or issuing threats in our names. If we become aware of such actions, appropriate legal measures will be taken," the adviser added.