On Saturday night, July 26, 2025, Abdur Razzak bin Sulaiman, alias Riyad, a self-proclaimed "coordinator," was arrested along with four others in Dhaka’s Gulshan area while allegedly extorting money from a former reserved seat Member of Parliament, Shammi Ahmed. Following their arrest, Riyad was placed in seven-day remand on Sunday, July 27. The incident has triggered widespread discussion in his hometown and beyond.Background and Family
Investigations reveal that Riyad hails from Nabi Pur Bazar, Ward No. 5, Nabipur Union, Senbag Upazila, Noakhali district. Eight years ago, his father, Abu Rayhan, earned a living as a rickshaw puller but now works as a day laborer. Riyad’s family struggled financially, with his mother, Rezia Begum, previously working as a domestic helper to support the household. Poverty was a constant in their lives.
Riyad’s grandfather, Waliullah, was also a rickshaw puller. Before August 5, 2024, when the Awami League government fell, several family members relied on daily wage labor. Abu Rayhan toiled to fund Riyad’s education, hoping his son would secure a good job to uplift the family. However, within a year of the government’s collapse, construction of a concrete house began at Riyad’s village home, leaving locals stunned by the sudden change in fortune.
Riyad’s Journey and Alleged Crimes
Riyad’s peers report that he was associated with Islami Chhatra Shibir during his school years. He completed his SSC at Nabipur High School and later enrolled at Government Mujib College in Companiganj Upazila, where he joined Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, under the influence of Abdul Quader Mirza, mayor of Basurhat and brother of former minister Obaidul Quader. After passing his HSC, Riyad moved to Dhaka, enrolling in a private university. He later joined the quota reform movement, rising to prominence as a leader in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Over time, he became involved in extortion activities, branding himself a "coordinator."
According to police and the victim’s family, on July 17, Riyad and others, posing as coordinators, visited Shammi Ahmed’s residence with police, claiming fugitives were present. Finding none, they left but later threatened to implicate Shammi’s husband, Siddique Abu Zafar, in a case, extorting Tk 10 lakh. On Saturday night, when they returned for gold jewelry and additional payments, Riyad and four others—Ibrahim Hossain Munna, Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, and Md. Aminul Islam—were caught red-handed.
Gulshan Police Station’s Investigation Officer Mokhlesur Rahman stated that Riyad and his accomplices were part of an organized extortion ring targeting affluent areas like Gulshan and Baridhara since August 5, 2024, using their "coordinator" title to intimidate victims.
Sudden Wealth and Village Construction
Riyad’s rapid rise to wealth has raised eyebrows. About two and a half months ago, construction began on a single-story, four-room concrete house at his village, replacing a dilapidated tin-roofed structure. Locals estimate the construction, which has reached the roof-casting stage, has cost at least Tk 15 lakh. They claim Riyad also purchased an expensive motorcycle and a private car. His parents now live in a rented room nearby.
Rezia Begum claimed the construction was funded by selling government-provided tin sheets after last year’s floods, Tk 50,000 from Al-Sunnah Foundation, and her husband’s savings. However, she could not produce any documentation for loans. Locals assert the construction began only after Riyad sent money, suggesting his newfound wealth fueled the project.
Expulsion from Organizations
Following the extortion incident, both the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Democratic Students’ Parliament expelled Riyad and his associates. A press release by Shahadat Hossain, office secretary of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, announced the permanent expulsion of Ibrahim Hossain Munna, Sakadaun Siam, and Sadman Sadab for violating organizational principles. Similarly, the Democratic Students’ Parliament expelled Riyad and Jane Alam Apu. On Sunday evening, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced the suspension of all its committees except the central one during an emergency press conference in Shahbag, Dhaka.
Social Media Spotlight
The scandal brought Riyad’s social media activity into focus. His Facebook posts, featuring photos with leaders from various political parties, including the BNP, NCP, Jatiya Party, and even Awami League, have gone viral. Notably, despite his active role in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s protests against the Awami League government in July 2024, Riyad posted pictures in front of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait. He also shared images with NCP convener Nahid Islam, leaders Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, and former BNP Home Minister Lutfuzzaman Babar, projecting an image of influence.
Local Reactions
Shihab Uddin, former president of Nabipur High School, expressed disbelief: “This student was supported by community donations because his rickshaw-puller father couldn’t afford his education. It’s hard to believe he became such a dangerous extortionist.”
Former spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Umama Fatima, commented on Facebook, “It’s amusing how people act shocked, as if these boys just started extorting! This is the first time they’ve been caught by police. Dig deeper, and you’ll find their roots run deep.” She noted their involvement in political protocols and activities.
Locals warn that more individuals like Riyad may be operating covertly and have urged authorities to identify and punish them to set a precedent.
