Student Leaders Use Police to Intimidate, Extort Former MP’s Family

Before extracting Tk 1 million in extortion from the residence of former Member of Parliament Shamsi Ahmed, several leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement allegedly took police officers to the premises under false pretences. Among them was Abdur Razzak Bin Soleiman, also known as Riyad, the joint convenor of the organisation’s private university unit.

According to police and the victim’s family, on 17 July, Riyad and several other leaders brought police officers to the Gulshan residence, claiming that a “fugitive accused” was hiding there. Identifying themselves as “coordinators,” they used the opportunity to instil fear. As no fugitive was found, the police left. However, the student leaders then allegedly threatened Shamsi Ahmed’s husband, Siddiq Abu Zafar, with false legal implications and arrest, forcing him to hand over Tk 1 million.

The visit with the police appears to have been a strategic move to intimidate the household and demonstrate influence. Frightened by the show of force, the family paid the first instalment. The accused returned twice, demanding an additional Tk 4 million and issuing further threats over the phone.

Law Enforcement’s Response

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Md Nazrul Islam stated:

“It seems these youths used the police as a ‘trump card’ to create fear. They threatened to hand over the family to law enforcement at any moment. After we became aware of the situation, we kept the location under surveillance and arrested them red-handed last Saturday.”

Arrests and Charges

• The case was filed at Gulshan Police Station.
• Ten to twelve unidentified individuals were also named as suspects in the case.
• On Sunday, Riyad, Siam, Sadab, and Ibrahim were placed on seven-day remand by the court.
• The underage individual was sent to the Tongi Juvenile Development Centre.

Roles of the Accused in the Organisation

Investigation and Legal Perspective

Inspector Mokhlesur Rahman, the investigating officer from Gulshan Police Station, told the court:

“These individuals are part of an organised extortion racket. Since 5 August last year, they have been targeting affluent areas, using their identity as student leaders.”

Additional Public Prosecutor Shamsud Doha added:

“It’s shocking that at such a young age, they are involved in extorting millions. They should have no political legitimacy.”

Public Reaction and Former Leader’s Remarks

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media. Former spokesperson of the organisation, Umama Fatema, wrote:

“It’s amusing to see everyone so shocked. As if this is the first time they’ve been caught—when in reality, their roots run deep.”