Life of ‘Coordinator’ Jane Alam Took a Sudden Turn After Gaining Title

The lifestyle of Jane Alam (Apu), expelled Joint Coordinator of the Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Parliament, reportedly changed drastically shortly after assuming the title of “Coordinator” of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Following his arrest in Gulshan over extortion allegations, his luxurious lifestyle — designer clothes, chauffeured private cars, and photos with high-ranking police and political figures — became a topic of public interest, all visible on his Facebook profile.

Rise in Influence and Public Image

After assuming his coordinator role, Jane Alam first visited his native district, Joypurhat, on 11 August. He received floral greetings from the then Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nure Alam. Current SP Muhammad Abdul Wahab had also welcomed him similarly. These gestures, immortalised in photos still on social media, elevated his image locally. He introduced himself in the area as a powerful political figure.

Locals: “We Were Not Surprised”

Locals from Punghardighi village, including his neighbour Shafiul Alam, expressed no shock upon hearing of his arrest, stating Jane Alam had long shown maturity beyond his age. His ancestral home remains mostly locked; he rarely visits and reportedly only returned briefly during student events.

Residents mentioned that Jane Alam was initially involved in Chhatra Dal (student wing of BNP) but was expelled in 2022 due to a scandal involving women. Later, he joined different political groups, regularly uploading photos with state advisors and senior officials, portraying himself as an influential leader.

Statements from Political Figures

Deowan Tanvin Newaz, Convener of Akkelpur Upazila Chhatra Dal, shared:

“Jane Alam used Facebook to present himself as a powerful figure using images with high officials. He engaged in extortion and even advised others on how to ‘look good’ on Facebook. He has tarnished the reputation of Joypurhat.”

Online activist and student leader Arman Hossain added:

“His lifestyle transformed overnight. His income sources were lobbying and extortion. He didn’t contribute much locally but allegedly acquired assets in Dhaka.”

Jane Alam even visited his village in a luxury private car after the July movement, further cementing his image locally. Residents accused him of “selling the ideals of July” for personal gain, as echoed in chants heard during court proceedings:

“You sold July’s spirit for extortion!”

Family Background and Disconnection

Jane Alam’s father, Anwar Hossain (Dulal), worked for a private firm in Dhaka and passed away eight years ago. The family home includes a mud duplex and a small brick house, now usually locked. His mother remarried, and his younger sister lives with her.

His maternal grandmother, Akhlakunnesa Bokul, stated:

“After his mother’s remarriage, he rarely visited. He stayed with us for just two or three years a long time ago.”

His aunt Jesmin added:

“We believed he had become a big leader in Dhaka. He never stayed in touch.”

Arrest and Expulsion

On Friday morning, police arrested Jane Alam from the Wari area of Dhaka. According to DMP Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Alam was involved in an extortion case in Gulshan while impersonating a student movement coordinator.

Following the incident, the Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Parliament permanently expelled both Jane Alam and another individual involved.