Arrested for Extortion, Riad’s Old Facebook Posts on Ethics Go Viral

Abdur Razzak Riad, acting convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s united platform for private universities, has been arrested in connection with an extortion case filed at the Gulshan residence of former MP Shammi Ahmed. Following his arrest, several of Riad’s previous Facebook posts about ethics and morality have gone viral on social media, igniting widespread debate and criticism.

Riad’s Ethical and Political Posts Resurface
One of Riad’s most widely circulated posts reads:
“Only those who wish to serve people should enter politics. If you seek personal gain, start a business—not politics.”

In another post, he quoted a conversation involving renowned Urdu author Saadat Hasan Manto.
When asked about the state of his country, Manto allegedly replied, “Like the prayers in prison.”
When pressed for clarification, he explained:
“The call to prayer is given by a fraudster, the prayer led by a murderer, and the prayer itself is offered by thieves.”

These posts have now become the subject of intense scrutiny, especially after Riad’s arrest on charges of extortion—seemingly at odds with the moral tone of his online presence.

Details of the Allegation and the Case
A complaint was filed at Gulshan Police Station by one Siddiq Abu Zafar, naming six individuals including Riad. The accused are: Abdur Razzak Riad, Kazi Gaurab Apu, Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, Md. Ibrahim Hossain, and a minor named Md. Aminul Islam. The child’s case will be handled in a separate juvenile court.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), on the morning of 17 July, Riad and Apu visited the residence of Shammi Ahmed, a former MP from a reserved women’s seat, located on Road 83 in Gulshan. There, they allegedly issued threats and demanded Tk 5 million in cash along with gold ornaments. When Ahmed expressed her inability to pay, they branded her an “ally of the Awami League,” threatened police action, and continued to pressure her. Eventually, the complainant handed over Tk 500,000 in cash and another Tk 500,000 from his brother.

The FIR further states that on the night of 19 July, Riad and Apu returned and banged on the complainant’s apartment door. After the matter was reported to Gulshan Police, the suspects left the scene. Then on 26 July, at around 5:30 PM, Riad and the other accused returned to the building in search of the complainant. Upon being informed by the building guard, the complainant grew increasingly concerned. The accused reportedly threatened to hand him over to police if the remaining Tk 4 million was not paid. Gulshan police were again notified, and they arrested five of the accused on the spot. Kazi Gaurab Apu managed to flee.

Court Grants Remand
On Sunday, 27 July, the Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Ziyadur Rahman granted seven-day remand for Riad and three others: Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, and Md. Ibrahim Hossain.

The investigating officer, Inspector Mokhlesur Rahman of Gulshan Police Station, produced the accused before the court after 4:00 PM and sought ten days’ remand for each of them for further investigation.

Prosecutor Shamsud Doha Sumon represented the state. Several lawyers with affiliations to the opposition BNP also supported the prosecution, arguing for the maximum remand period. Defence lawyers, on the other hand, appealed for bail and dismissal of the remand request. After hearing both sides, the court rejected the bail petitions and granted seven days of remand for each accused.

Riad in the Eye of the Storm
The arrest of Abdur Razzak Riad has stirred controversy across social platforms. Known for his vocal stance on morality and politics, Riad now faces serious allegations that contradict the very principles he publicly upheld.

This raises a troubling question in the public mind—how far apart are words of morality from the reality of modern politics?