Tk 22.5 Million Cheque Seized from Coordinator Riyad

A cheque worth Tk 22.5 million, allegedly linked to extortion activities, was recovered from the residence of Abdur Razzak Riyad, former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, following his arrest from the home of former MP Shammi Ahmed in Gulshan. The incident was disclosed in a press briefing by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on 30 July.

Details of the Case

Police Investigation and Findings

According to DMP Spokesperson Muhammad Talebur Rahman, the cheque was recovered based on the interrogation of five individuals arrested in the extortion attempt. The police conducted a search operation at Riyad’s residence until 11 PM on Monday, where they found the cheque meant to be encashed on 2 August.

It is reported that Riyad had signed a Tk 50 million deal with a businessman for assistance in reclaiming a piece of land. The Tk 22.5 million cheque was allegedly part of that deal.

In addition to the cheque, police found:

• 10 fixed deposit receipt (FDR) documents, each valued at a minimum of Tk 200,000
• Bank account records showing Tk 6 to 7 million in recent transactions

Arrest and Remand Details

The five individuals were caught red-handed on 26 July at House 83, Road 2, Gulshan-2, while allegedly demanding extortion money. Those arrested include:

1. Abdur Razzak Riyad (25) – Resident of Senbagh, Noakhali; currently living in Dhanmondi
2. Ibrahim Hossain (24) – From Ramdasdi village, Chandpur
3. Aminul Islam (13) – A tenth-grade student at Alatunnesa School and College, Badda
4. Sakadaun Siam (22)
5. Sadman Sadab (21)

Ibrahim was the Dhaka Metropolitan convenor of the student movement.

Following the incident, three individuals were expelled from the organisation, and all regional committees were suspended—with only the central committee remaining active.

The case filed at Gulshan Police Station led to four of the accused being remanded for seven days, following a 10-day remand request.

The Extortion Plot

According to the First Information Report (FIR):

• On 17 July, Riyad and an individual named Apu visited Shammi Ahmed’s residence, demanding Tk 5 million and gold jewellery.
• Upon refusal, they issued threats and managed to extract Tk 1 million.
• On 26 July, they returned to claim the remaining Tk 4 million, at which point police apprehended them.

Organisational Response

In a press briefing on 27 July, Rifat Rashid, the current president of the movement, stated:

“For the first time in the country’s history, a student organisation has suspended all units nationwide after admitting to a crime.”

He added:

“Many are using the cover of political parties to indulge in unethical acts. We call upon law enforcement to take strict action against anyone committing crimes under our banner.”

This high-profile scandal has cast a long shadow over the student-led movement, once celebrated for its activism. With financial evidence, organisational fallout, and ongoing legal proceedings, the case remains under intense public and media scrutiny.