Serious allegations of abduction, torture, and extortion have surfaced against leaders of the Dhaka Metropolitan unit of the Baisommobirodhi Chhatro Andolon (Anti-Discrimination Student Movement).
Multiple victims claim the group’s Mirpur office operates like a torture cell.According to several eyewitness accounts and video evidence obtained by this news outlet, Joint Conveners Sadman Sanjid and Rifatul Haque Shawon, along with Shah Ali Thana committee secretary Parvez and 8–10 others, allegedly abducted a local businessman and forced him to sign blank cheques and stamp papers under duress.Many of the accused reportedly present themselves as close associates or even younger brothers of Nahid Islam, Convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP).
Victims allege that they use personal photos with Nahid—shared widely on social media and shown to government officials—as leverage to gain influence and intimidate others.In an attempt to verify the claims, this correspondent visited the Directorate of Primary Education in Mirpur. While the Director General declined to comment on camera, he confirmed that individuals had indeed used photos with Nahid Islam to pressure him on matters such as transfers and other administrative decisions.
One of the victims, a local businessman, described his ordeal:”They slapped me, punched me, beat me up however they wanted.”The fear these individuals have instilled extends beyond public offices to residential areas across Mirpur.
Reports of home invasions, violent attacks, and looting have surfaced in recent days. One family recounted how their children are now traumatized and unable to sleep due to the violence.”We’re not even in a mental state to file complaints,” a resident said.”If they find out we spoke up, they’ll show up at our door with the whole gang. You mentioned two names, but there are many more involved.”In response to these accusations, NCP Convener Nahid Islam denied any involvement and claimed he has no knowledge of the group’s actions. He also demanded that appropriate actions be taken against anyone using his name or image for wrongful purposes.Attempts to reach the central office of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement for comment were unsuccessful.
Spokesperson Umama Fatima did not answer phone calls or respond to messages.When contacted, Sadman Sanjid and Rifatul Haque Shawon denied using any political connections for influence. Instead, they claimed the incident involved individuals affiliated with the ruling Awami League, whom they confronted for allegedly leaking sensitive information to party leaders.However, this explanation has done little to ease the concerns of Mirpur residents, who say the reign of fear continues.
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