Student Activist Remanded Over University Attempted Murder

A Dhaka court has placed Abdur Razzak bin Solaiman Riyad, a prominent former leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, into police custody for a two-day remand. The ruling follows allegations of an attempted murder involving fellow students at Presidency University.

Court Proceedings and Rulings

On Thursday, March 5, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Shefatullah issued the order following a formal petition from the investigating officer. While Razzak faces interrogation, the court rejected both the remand and bail applications for three other students: Riyadul Hawlader, Alif Ahmed Ashik, and Sayem Shikdar.

Sub-Inspector Mokhtar Hossain of the Prosecution Department confirmed that the suspects were initially apprehended last Thursday evening and subsequently sent to jail. The investigating officer, SI Arman Ali of Gulshan Police Station, had originally sought a five-day remand to facilitate a deeper probe into the assault.

Details of the Alleged Assault

The case was initiated by Nirjon Sardar Badhon, also a student at Presidency University, who named Razzak and ten others in the First Information Report (FIR), alongside 10 to 22 unidentified accomplices.

According to the case files:

The Confrontation: The incident occurred on the fourth floor of the university in Room 412. A dispute reportedly broke out regarding participation in the upcoming convocation ceremony.

The Attack: While the victim was consulting with the University Proctor, Anisur Rahman, it is alleged that Razzak ordered his associates to attack. Defendants Riyadul and Sayem reportedly struck the victim with chairs.

The Weapon: The FIR further claims that Razzak used a switchblade to strike the victim’s face, causing a severe laceration to the bridge of the nose.

Police Intervention: Faculty members and peers intervened before Gulshan Police arrived at the scene to detain the suspects.

Summary of Legal Status

A History of Legal Troubles

Defense counsel Zakir Hossain argued for Razzak’s bail, while Advocate Sakhawat Hossain represented the other three, pleading for leniency on the grounds that they were preparing for civil service examinations.

This is not Razzak’s first encounter with the law. He was previously arrested on July 26 last year for allegedly demanding extortion money from the residence of former Member of Parliament Shammi Ahmed in Gulshan. Having only recently secured bail in that instance, he now finds himself back in custody facing significantly more violent charges.