Dhaka, July 28 (NationPress) The student organization in Bangladesh, which was at the forefront of the tumultuous protests last July, has declared the suspension of all its local committees nationwide, with the exception of the Central Committee. This decision follows serious allegations of extortion against various members, as reported by local news outlets on Monday.

During a press briefing in Dhaka on Sunday evening, Rifat Rashid, the President of Students Against Discrimination (SAD), stated, "We have noted multiple incidents, including one yesterday (Saturday), where individuals attempted to exploit the SAD name for unethical purposes. We have consistently warned that such behavior would not be accepted."

"Regrettably, influenced by political factions, some of our members have engaged in corrupt practices that we now find increasingly challenging to manage," quoted the student leader by The Daily Star, a prominent Bangladeshi newspaper.

This announcement comes in light of the police arresting five individuals, including SAD leaders and activists, for allegedly attempting to extort funds from the family of former Awami League lawmaker Shammi Ahmed at her residence in Gulshan, Dhaka.

The police reported that the group, claiming to be affiliated with SAD, demanded 50 lakh Bangladeshi taka on July 17. Although Shammi was not home at the time, they solicited the money from her husband, who provided 10 lakh taka that day.

Subsequently, the police apprehended the group on Saturday as they returned to collect the remaining 40 lakh from the residence.

On Sunday, Umama Fatema, a former SAD leader, claimed that the apprehended individuals were notorious for their disorderly conduct and had close ties with senior leaders from last year's anti-discrimination protests.

"These individuals have long been recognized for providing logistical support to the leaders — from the Secretariat to demonstrations, meetings, and even confrontations, they acted as coordinators' aides, operating with little to no oversight. The surprise expressed by many is, frankly, quite absurd. People are reacting as if they just realized these boys are extortionists. The reality is, this is merely the first instance they have been caught," she expressed in a social media post.

Numerous past allegations of misconduct involving SAD members have surfaced, according to local media.

In May, student activists in Mirpur, Dhaka, allegedly detained a contractor at their office, searched his phone, and demanded 5 crore taka.

Additionally, in March, police detained 14 individuals, including a SAD coordinator, for allegedly robbing Kabico Limited in Kalabagan and stealing 3 lakh along with four computers.

These student leaders had previously collaborated with Yunus and various political entities aiming to topple the democratically elected Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh has experienced extreme lawlessness since the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took control following the removal of Sheikh Hasina.