Feni College Student Leader Expelled Over Extortion Call

A controversy has erupted in Feni after a phone conversation allegedly demanding extortion money surfaced, involving Nomanul Haque Noman, the president of the Feni Government College unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, the Chhatra Dal. Following the incident, he has been expelled from his organisational post, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday evening (24 March) by Jahangir Alam, the office secretary of the central Chhatra Dal.

The press release stated that, in line with the decisions of the central executive committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Chhatra Dal, Nomanul Haque Noman has been expelled for violating organisational discipline. Senior vice-president Mahmudul Hasan Bhuiyan has been appointed as acting president of the college unit to ensure continuity and administrative stability. The decision was approved by Chhatra Dal President Rokibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.

Local sources report that the controversy centres on an alleged extortion demand related to the illegal soil business in Panchgachhia Union, Sadar Upazila. A roughly four-minute audio clip circulated on social media shows Noman reportedly asking Iftekhar Tahad Iftu, joint general secretary of Ramapur Nasir Memorial Degree College Chhatra Dal, to pay BDT 16,000 for transporting soil over eight days via Ilashpur road in Panchgachhia.

In the audio, Iftu expressed discomfort, saying: “As a member of the same party, paying money to operate a vehicle is embarrassing.” Noman is heard replying that the amount was intended for tea and snacks for local youth and advising vehicle operation after 10 pm to avoid complications. Iftu challenged the demand, asking, “Am I supposed to pay extortion to run a business?” to which Noman replied, “If you consider it extortion, there is nothing I can do.” Iftu also alleged prior payments were demanded. Noman contends that any money collected was handed over to senior members and accounted for club expenses.

In defence, Noman stated the conversation occurred nearly a month ago and denied making any extortion demand, claiming he only addressed local concerns when a soil transport vehicle was stopped. Conversely, Iftu maintains that Noman directly threatened to withhold vehicle passage unless the money was paid.

Feni District Chhatra Dal President Salah Uddin Mamun told our representative that the central committee had approved the expulsion due to breach of organisational discipline. Mahmudul Hasan has been appointed acting president of the college unit. Regarding Iftu, no instructions have yet been issued. He added that if party members are found involved in illegal soil extraction or extortion, further disciplinary measures will follow.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion and criticism in the local area, highlighting ongoing concerns over accountability and the conduct of student political leaders in Bangladesh.