Why was a student leader arrested in Bangladesh over extortion?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jane Alam was arrested by the DMP for alleged extortion.
- He is linked to the Bangladesh Democratic Students Union.
- Extortion money was reportedly demanded from Shammi Ahmed's residence.
- Five individuals were apprehended during the investigation.
- This incident raises concerns about integrity within student movements.
Dhaka, Aug 1 (NationPress) A former joint convener of the Bangladesh Democratic Students Union was taken into custody by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Friday, following serious allegations of extorting money from the residence of Shammi Ahmed, a former MP in Bangladesh.
Jane Alam, known by the nickname Apu, was apprehended by the Detective Branch of the DMP in the Wari locality of the capital after he purportedly collected extortion funds from Ahmed's home.
The DMP's Media and Public Relations Commissioner, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, confirmed the arrest, noting that he was already aware of Alam’s alleged involvement in the extortion incidents in the Gulshan area, where he had represented himself as a 'coordinator' of the anti-discrimination student movement, according to reports from Bangladesh’s prominent daily, Prothom Alo.
Last month, various local media outlets highlighted that another expelled student union leader, Abdur Razzak bin Solaiman, along with several accomplices, visited Shammi Ahmed’s residence, posing as ‘coordinators’ and allegedly threatening Ahmed’s spouse, Sidduique Abu Zafar, while demanding a ransom of Taka 50 lakh.
On Saturday night, five individuals, including Razzak, were arrested while attempting to collect the remainder of the ransom from Sidduique's residence. The four others were identified as Ibrahim Hossain, alias Munna, Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, and a minor whose identity remains undisclosed.
A police report was filed by Sidduique regarding the ransom demands, leading to the accusation of around 10-12 unidentified individuals, including Razzak, with five arrests made under a seven-day detention at the Gulshan police station. The minor was subsequently sent to the Tongi Youth Development Centre.
Both Alam and Razzak were members of the Central Committee of the Bangladesh Democratic Students Union and faced expulsion due to their involvement in the extortion scheme. Razzak also served as the joint convener of the combined private university branch of the anti-discrimination student movement.