Extortion allegations: SAD suspends activities of all committees except central

Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the platform that led last year's mass uprising, has suspended activities of all its committees across the country, except its central committee, amid extortion allegations against some of its leaders and activists.

SAD President Rifat Rashid announced the decision at an emergency press conference outside the National Museum in Shahbagh yesterday evening.

"We have observed several incidents, including yesterday's [Saturday], where individuals tried to misuse the SAD banner for unethical activities," said Rifat.

"We had warned from the beginning that such actions would not be tolerated. Unfortunately, under the influence of political parties, some members engaged in corrupt practices, which have now become nearly impossible for us to control," he added.

He said an emergency meeting was convened to address the situation, attended by four members of the central committee. Based on their collective decision, all organisational activities across the country -- except for the central committee -- have been suspended with immediate effect.

Rifat urged law enforcement agencies to take legal action against those involved in such activities.

In a post on his verified Facebook page last night, Sarjis Alam, the chief organiser (north) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), said, "All committees of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement across the country, except the central committee, have been dissolved."

In the comment section of this post, he wrote, "If anyone engages in extortion, lobbying, or case trading by claiming to be a 'coordinator' at any office, residence, or institution, catch them and hand them straight over to the police."

On Saturday, Gulshan police arrested five individuals, including SAD leaders and activists, for allegedly extorting money from the family of former Awami League lawmaker Shammi Ahmed.

According to police, the group had demanded Tk 50 lakh on July 17, identifying themselves as SAD members. As Shammi was not home at the time, they made the demand to her husband, who handed over Tk 10 lakh that day.

When the group returned on Saturday to collect the remaining Tk 40 lakh, police arrested them from the Gulshan residence.

UMAMA BLAMES LEADERSHIP FOR SHIELDING WRONGDOERS

Umama Fatema, a former SAD leader, alleged that the arrested individuals were long known for "unruly behaviour" and had close ties with top leaders of the anti-discrimination movement.

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

"These boys have long been seen providing protocol for the leaders -- from the Secretariat to processions, meetings, and even clashes, they acted as the coordinators' right-hand and left-hand men, moving around freely and without restrictions.

"Everyone pretending to be surprised is frankly a bit ridiculous. People are reacting as if they just discovered these boys are extortionists. The truth is, this is simply the first time they got caught."

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

On June 28, Umama, the former spokesperson of SAD, officially announced her withdrawal from the platform.

PREVIOUS INCIDENTS

Meanwhile, several past allegations of misconduct involving SAD members have also surfaced.

In May, activists in Mirpur allegedly brought a contractor to their Pallabi office, searched his phone, and demanded Tk 5 crore. They later claimed it was a personal dispute over unpaid dues involving a member's relative.

In March, police arrested 14 people, including a SAD coordinator, for allegedly looting Kabico Limited in Kalabagan. Claiming it was an Awami League office, they took Tk 3 lakh and four computers.