Four expelled leaders were placed on seven-day remand each in a case in connection with a case of attempted extortion of Tk50 lakh from the residence of Awami League leader and former MP Shammi Ahmed in the capital's Gulshan area.
The four are Ibrahim Hossain Munna, Dhaka Metropolitan convenor of the Students Against Discrimination; its members Md Sakadaun Siam and Sadman Sadab, and Abdur Razzak Riyad, a central committee member of the Democratic Student Council.
Videos of the extortion incident went viral on social media, leading to action by law enforcers and widespread criticism by netizens.
As news spread, the student leaders were expelled on Saturday night.
Students Against Discrimination, in a statement signed by its President Rifat Rashid and General Secretary Hasan Inam, said the decision was made in light of clear evidence of organisational misconduct and violation of the internal code of conduct.
"These individuals have been permanently removed from all organisational roles and memberships. All members are instructed to sever ties with them," the statement read.
Similarly, the Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Songshod announced the expulsion of its joint convener Jane Alam Apu and member Abdur Razzak in separate emergency notices, citing their direct involvement in extortion and activities that tarnished the group's image and discipline.
Meanwhile, Dhaka's Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ziadur Rahman issued the remand order following a hearing.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gulshan Police Station Hafizur Rahman told the media that on 17 July, several members of SAD went to the Gulshan residence of Ahmed and demanded Tk50 lakh.
They eventually forced the victims to give them Tk10 lakh.
Abu Zafar, husband of Shammi Ahmed, had filed a case centering the extortion.
When the student leaders returned again yesterday to take the rest of the money, police arrived at the scene and arrested them.
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