Narayanganj BNP leader expelled over extortion allegations; detained at airport 'while attempting to flee'

The BNP has expelled its Fatullah Thana organizational secretary over allegations raised against him of charging extortion money.

The party made the announcement after Riyad Md Chowdhury was detained by the immigration police earlier this morning (15 May) at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while reportedly attempting to flee to Thailand.

Confirming the matter, Narayanganj District Superintendent of Police Pratyush Kumar Mojumder said, "There were allegations that he was extorting money from business owners. After an audio recently went viral, he tried to flee to Thailand out of fear of being arrested. Immigration police then detained him this morning. He is now in our custody."

No case has been filed against him yet. Once done, he will be officially shown as arrested and presented in court, the police official said.

Riyad is also a member of the convening committee of the Narayanganj district BNP, in addition to his role in Fatullah BNP. 

After the audio surfaced where he could be heard threatening to set fire to a factory in Fatullah, a notice was posted by the BNP Media Cell at 11am today announcing Riyad's expulsion from all party positions, including his primary membership. 

Signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the statement said Riyad was expelled for violating party discipline and engaging in unethical activities contrary to the party's ideology, values, and unity.