Ex-SAD leader Umama speaks out as activists arrested on extortion charges

A former activist of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) has alleged that those recently arrested over extortion allegations were long known for "unruly behaviour" and close ties with key leaders of anti-discriminatory movement.

In a Facebook post early today, Umama Fatema said that the five individuals had enjoyed access and protection due to their proximity to the platform's coordinators and were often seen escorting them at political events and government offices.

"My acquaintances are pretending to be so surprised by the extortion allegations that I feel like I'm the least shocked," she wrote.

Umama said the group had an unchecked presence in spaces ranging from the secretariat to street protests, often acting as unofficial protocol officers for top organisers.

Allegations of misconduct and involvement in what she described as a "Gulshan-Banani gang culture" had been raised internally, but no action was taken.

Referring to one of the five accused, Riyad, Umama recalled an incident from last December when he behaved aggressively at Rupayan Tower.

"When we tried to calm him down, he turned on us. Afterwards, I learnt he already had allegations against him of threats, fights and extortion," the status read.

She wrote that she was not surprised at the revelations because "by then, it had become clear that such individuals had made inroads into the anti-discrimination platform".

"They used to move in and out of Rupayan Tower without any restriction. If anyone complained about corruption or misconduct, they were met with silence. And I'd watch these same individuals enjoy access at the end of the day."

In her post, she criticised those now expressing shock, saying, "Everyone pretending to be surprised is frankly a bit ridiculous. People are reacting as if they've just discovered that these boys are extortionists. The truth is, this is simply the first time they got caught by police."

She also implied that the rot ran deep: "If anyone cares to look, they'll see these roots go much deeper."

On July 28, Umama officially announced her withdrawal from SAD.

The group emerged as a visible protest platform last year, drawing students from across universities.

The recent extortion allegations have sparked debate online about the internal dynamics of the group and its lack of accountability.