Two Anti-Discrimination Student Leaders Arrested for Extortion, Rumor-Mongering in Manikganj

District Correspondent

Police in Manikganj have detained two representatives of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on charges of extortion, misconduct with law enforcement, and spreading rumors for blackmail.

The arrests of Mehrab and Ashraful Islam Raju took place on the morning of May 21 at their respective residences. Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) SM Amanullah confirmed the matter.

Mehrab, from Uttar Sewta in Manikganj municipality, and Ashraful, from Nabagram in Shibaloy Upazila, were joint secretaries of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’s Manikganj district branch.

Omar Faruk, convener of the district branch, stated, “Police detained Raju and Mehrab for questioning. There are allegations of extortion and misconduct against them, but both had already resigned from the committee.”

However, Ramzan Mahmud, senior joint convener of the movement, claimed the arrests were part of a conspiracy. “Mehrab and Raju played leading roles in the movement during July and August, showcasing integrity and courage. They are now being interrogated at an undisclosed location,” he said, warning of protests if they are not released promptly.

OC Amanullah stated that the duo is accused of extorting large sums of money by filing false cases and offering dismissals for hidden motives. Additionally, they are linked to spreading misinformation via a fake social media page named “Manikganj News.”

The police plan to hold a press conference to disclose further details about the allegations.