Allegations of Extortion Surrounding Fair in Khulna, Two Anti-Discrimination Leaders Issued Show-Cause Notices

In Khulna, allegations of extortion have surfaced against two leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in connection with a fair. Following the circulation of an audio clip on social media, the organization's central committee issued show-cause notices to the accused.

The two leaders are Jahurul Islam, alias Tanvir, the member secretary of the Khulna metropolitan committee, and Sajjadul Islam, alias Azad, the chief organizer. On Monday night, the organization announced the issuance of the notices through a statement on its Facebook page.

In the show-cause letter, signed by the central organizational secretary Moinul Islam, it is stated that the two leaders are accused of engaging in activities contrary to the organization’s discipline and policies, which are deemed harmful to its reputation. They have been asked to provide a written explanation within three working days. The letter also warns that failure to provide a satisfactory response will result in unilateral organizational action. Recently, a 1-minute-36-second audio clip went viral on social media, featuring a conversation between an individual claiming to be the owner of "Montu Event Management" and someone with a voice resembling Sajjadul Islam. In the audio, the organizer, Montu Mia, is heard saying in a regional accent, “Is it possible for me to appease everyone? I have two taka ready; if you say, I can pay it now.” In response, the voice resembling Sajjadul says, “I can appease everyone, from A to Z—everyone will stay quiet, no one will bother you, if you pay 10 taka. But if you don’t, one group will come today, another tomorrow—how many can you appease?” Further parts of the audio hint at financial transactions. Montu, the fair’s organizer, told the media, “It was a fair organized by the Police Women’s Welfare Association (PUNAK). Still, they demanded 10 lakh taka from me. In the end, I paid three lakh to appease them.” However, the accused leaders have denied the allegations, calling the incident a “conspiracy.” They claim that efforts are being made to tarnish their reputation in connection with the Khulna fair. Adding a new dimension to the controversy is a conflicting claim about the fair’s ownership. A person named Russel Mia, known as “Mela Russel” in Khulna, claimed in a video message that he is the actual owner of the fair. He accused Montu of spreading false information to mislead various parties, asserting that no extortion took place and that the allegations are “motivated lies.” Russel also displayed a contract to support his claim. Commenting on the issue, Sajjadul Islam said, “This is a conspiracy. A powerful force is working against me. I’ve survived without compromising. The real owner of the fair has shown the contract and clarified that we are not involved in any way. We will address this matter officially.”

Jahurul Tanvir added, “This incident happened long ago. Whether we are involved or not will be proven through the central investigation. We will issue a formal statement later.”