A Dhaka court has granted a 7-day remand for Abdur Razzak Riad, acting convener of the United Private University Unit of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and three others in a case filed over alleged extortion at the Gulshan residence of former MP Shammi Ahmed.
The other accused sent to remand are Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, and Md. Ibrahim Hossain.
On Sunday (27 July), Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Ziadur Rahman passed the remand order following a hearing. The investigating officer, Inspector Mokhlesur Rahman of Gulshan Police Station, presented the four in court and sought 10 days’ remand for each for proper investigation.
State prosecutor Shamsuddoha Sumon supported the remand plea, aided by several BNP-leaning lawyers who demanded the maximum remand. Defense lawyers opposed the remand and sought bail, which the court rejected.
Earlier that day, Siddiq Abu Zafar filed an extortion case with Gulshan Police Station, naming six individuals: Riad, Kazi Gaurab Apu, Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, Md. Ibrahim Hossain, and a juvenile named Md. Aminul Islam.
According to the complaint, on 17 July at 10 AM, Riad and Apu went to the residence of former reserved-seat MP Shammi Ahmed on Gulshan Road 83 and allegedly demanded BDT 50 lakh in cash and gold jewelry. They threatened to label her as an “ally of Awami League” and have her arrested by police if she didn’t comply. Under pressure, the complainant Siddiq gave BDT 10 lakh, including funds borrowed from his brother.
Later, on 19 July at 10:30 PM, Riad and Apu allegedly returned to Siddiq’s residence and banged on his door. When Siddiq alerted police, they fled. Again, on 26 July at 5:30 PM, Riad and others showed up at Siddiq’s building, demanding the remaining BDT 40 lakh, and threatened to have him arrested if not paid.
Gulshan police, informed of the situation, conducted a raid and arrested five of the accused on the spot. Kazi Gaurab Apu managed to flee.
