A Dhaka court has granted a seven-day remand for four individuals, including Abdur Razzak Riyad, the acting convener of the Private University Collective under the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, in connection with an extortion case at the Gulshan residence of former MP Shammi Ahmed. The other individuals remanded are Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, and Md. Ibrahim Hossain. The order was issued by Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ziadur Rahman on Sunday (July 27, 2025) following a hearing.The case’s investigating officer, Inspector Mokhlesur Rahman of Gulshan Police Station, produced the accused in court and sought a 10-day remand. The defense lawyer requested bail and cancellation of the remand, while the prosecution argued for the maximum remand period. After the hearing, the court approved a seven-day remand for interrogation.
On Sunday, Siddique Abu Zafar, the complainant, filed a case at Gulshan Police Station, naming six individuals as accused: Abdur Razzak Riyad, Kazi Gaurab Apu, Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, Md. Ibrahim Hossain, and Md. Aminul Islam, a minor involved in legal conflicts.
According to the case statement, on July 17, 2025, at around 10 AM, Riyad and Apu visited Shammi Ahmed’s residence on Road 83 in Gulshan, demanding Tk 50 lakh and gold ornaments. When the complainant expressed inability to pay, the accused allegedly labeled him an Awami League associate and threatened to have him arrested by the police. Under pressure, Siddique Abu Zafar paid Tk 5 lakh from his own funds and an additional Tk 5 lakh obtained from his brother.
On July 19, 2025, at around 10:30 PM, Riyad and Apu returned to the residence and forcefully banged on the flat’s door. After the complainant informed Gulshan Police Station via mobile phone, the accused left. On Saturday (July 26), at around 5:30 PM, Riyad, leading the other accused, returned to the residence, searching for Zafar and demanding the remaining Tk 40 lakh, threatening to hand him over to the police if unpaid. The building’s security guard informed Zafar via phone, and upon notification, the police arrived promptly, arresting five of the accused on the spot. However, Kazi Gaurab Apu managed to flee.
The incident has raised concerns about the internal discipline of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and sparked widespread discussion on social media. The police are continuing their investigation, with one accused still at large.
