SAD show-causes Rangpur leader over extortion allegation

A video allegedly showing a leader of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) in Rangpur demanding money has sparked controversy on social media. 

The video, which surfaced on Facebook yesterday (1 March), features a conversation in which Nahid Hasan Khandaker, spokesperson of the movement's Rangpur metropolitan unit, is reportedly heard asking for money while referencing the need to manage local government officials.  

"You see where things have gone; we have to handle the UNO and DC. If you feel like reducing the amount, talk to bhai [brother]. I don't want any trouble for you. You know what it takes to run an organisation," Nahid is heard saying in the 2-minute-41-second clip.  

The alleged conversation revolves around sand extraction and park construction. The video shows Nahid speaking, but the other party remains unseen.  

Following the video's circulation, SAD issued a show-cause notice to Nahid, asking him to explain within three days why organisational action should not be taken against him, reports Prothom Alo.  

Denying the allegations, Nahid said, "I went there six to seven days ago after learning about illegal sand extraction. But I didn't take a single penny from anyone. They won't be able to prove anything. This is a conspiracy by a faction of the Jubo League to frame me and discredit the movement."  

Nahid further claimed, "They created a manipulated AI-generated video against me to prevent us from interfering in their business. Those spreading this video are associates of the Awami League. Through the 2024 mass uprising, we removed the fascists, and now their allies are trying to discredit us in various ways."

According to sources, the incident took place about a week ago in Hajirhat, Rangpur, over the illegal extraction of sand under the guise of an eco-park project.  

Confirming the conversation, Belal Hossain, the director of the eco-park project, told The Business Standard, "Excavation work was underway in my park for pond construction. Nahid Hasan Khandaker demanded Tk1 lakh from me, claiming that illegal sand extraction was taking place. This is evident in the video. Additionally, I have several call recordings of his extortion demands, which will be made public soon."

In the video conversation, Nahid is heard saying, "You see where things have gone. Talk to them; if you feel like adjusting a bit, you know what it takes to run an organisation. That's how it works. I don't want any trouble for you. If you think there's an issue on your end, talk to brother [park authorities]. I can't force anything on you." 

At this point, the other person responds, "If you say that sand extraction is happening there, I will stop it. I can't pay one lakh taka, but I can give five thousand."  

To this, Nahid replies, "Why would you stop your business? Keep running it. Talk to my brother. Take time if needed. You see where things have gone—we have to handle the UNO and DC. If you feel like reducing the amount, then talk to brother. I don't want any trouble for you. You know what it takes to run an organisation."

Meanwhile, SAD Rangpur Metropolitan Unit Convenor Imtiaz Ahmed told journalists, "Our organisation does not support illegal activities."

"We are reviewing the video. Initially, it appears to be an attempt to discredit both Nahid and our platform. However, if evidence confirms wrongdoing, organisational action will be taken," he added.