As-Sunnah Foundation Denies Providing Financial Aid to Riyad’s Family

The As-Sunnah Foundation has denied providing any financial assistance to the family of Abdur Razzak bin Soleiman, also known as Riyad, who was recently arrested for allegedly attempting to extort money from former MP Shammi Ahmed at her Gulshan residence.

In a statement issued on 29 July, the Foundation clarified that neither Riyad nor any member of his family had received funds from them. This was in direct response to a claim made by Riyad’s mother, Rezia Begum, that the family received Tk 50,000 from the foundation, which, along with the proceeds from selling four bundles of government-provided corrugated iron sheets, was used to construct a new house in Senbagh, Noakhali.

Background of the Incident

The Foundation’s Statement

According to the As-Sunnah Foundation:

• Riyad, his father Abu Raihan, and his mother Rezia Begum are not listed among the beneficiaries of their aid programme in the relevant union.
• No transactions were recorded to any bKash number associated with the family.

This statement was made following media coverage highlighting the sudden construction of a permanent home by Riyad’s family in Senbagh, raising questions about the source of funds. Rezia Begum had attributed part of the funding to As-Sunnah Foundation’s donation, which the Foundation has now publicly refuted.

This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation involving Riyad, as authorities and the public scrutinise not only his actions but also the financial background of his family amid serious criminal allegations.