‘Extortionist’ Razzak Arrested with Cheques Worth Tk 22.5 Million

Abdur Razzak, a former leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, who was recently arrested for allegedly demanding extortion money from former Member of Parliament (MP) Shammi Ahmed at her residence, has had Tk 22.5 million worth of cheques recovered from his rented flat by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

According to law enforcement officials, the cheques were forcibly obtained from a business owned by a former MP.

Cheque Breakdown:

During a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Wednesday (30 July), Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Muhammad Tohidul Rahman revealed that a total of four cheques were seized from Razzak’s flat in Nakhalpara.

The police informed that during interrogation, Razzak confessed that the cheques were obtained following an incident where he allegedly demanded Tk 5 million in extortion from Shammi Ahmed at her home.

Origin of the Cheques

As per police sources, the cheques were issued by Trade Zone, a business owned by Abul Kalam Azad, former Awami League MP of Rangpur-6 constituency.

Saiful Islam, the manager of Trade Zone, alleged that Razzak and five others forcibly coerced them into writing 11 cheques amounting to a total of Tk 50 million. When the group failed to encash the cheques, they began threatening the company’s owner.

Saiful further stated that Razzak and his associates arrived at their office after hearing rumours about a land sale. They allegedly intimidated the office staff by gathering a large crowd and seizing mobile phones. The accused then reportedly forced the company owner to pose for a photo next to portraits of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, while threatening to humiliate him with a garland of shoes if he did not comply. Under duress, the owner was made to write and sign the cheques.

The DB confirmed that while the cheques bear the company’s official seal and signature, the recipient name and date fields have been left blank.

Previous Arrest and Legal Proceedings

On 17 July, Abdur Razzak and four others were caught red-handed and arrested in connection with a case filed by Siddique Abu Zafar, the husband of former MP Shammi Ahmed. The other arrested individuals are:

• Ibrahim Hossain Munna
• Sakadoun Siam
• Sadman Sadab
• A minor (unnamed)

Four of the accused are currently under remand for further questioning.

Political and Organisational Fallout

Abdur Razzak previously held the position of Joint Convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and was later affiliated with the Democratic Student Union. Following the arrest, all of the accused were expelled from their organisations, and all organisational units apart from the central committee have been suspended.

Upcoming Legal Action

Officials from Trade Zone have announced their intention to file a formal case concerning the extortion incident.