BDSC leader suspended over 'extortion demand'

Golam Kibria Apu, the newly appointed joint convenor of the Bangladesh Democratic Students Council (BDSC) has been suspended amid allegations that he had attempted to extort money from an internet businessman.

The group has also sought an explanation from Apu regarding the allegations reports UNB.

In a statement issued on Friday night, the BDSC said, "Due to violations of organisational discipline and moral misconduct, Golam Kibria Apu's membership in the central committee of the Bangladesh Democratic Students Union has been suspended. He has been instructed to provide a satisfactory explanation to the convenor within one working day as to why he should not be expelled."

Attempts to reach central BDSC Convenor Abu Bakar Majumder, Dhaka University Convenor Abdul Kader and General Secretary Zahid Ahsan for comment were unsuccessful.

Earlier, Mohammad Rashed Khan, general secretary of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, posted on Facebook about the alleged extortion attempt by Apu.

He claimed that an internet businessman from Dhaka University approached him with a complaint that Apu had demanded Tk 50,000 from him.

“A young man from my area runs a broadband internet business at Dhaka University. He had been trying to meet me for a few days. I finally asked him to come to my office today. When he arrived, he informed me that Golam Kibria Apu, the central joint convenor of the Bangladesh Democratic Students Union, had demanded Tk 50,000 from him,” Rashed said.

“Apu is a student at Dhaka University's Bangabandhu Hall. The young man showed me a recording of their conversation as proof. I asked him to call Apu, and when he did, Apu confirmed the demand for Tk 50,000, later reducing it to Tk 30,000."

Rashed continued, “At the time, Shahidul Fahim, a senior member of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, was in the office and saved the conversation. I tried to contact [BDSC Convenor] Abu Bakar, but I couldn’t reach him, so I informed General Secretary Zahid Ahsan. He spoke with the victim and asked me to send the evidence.”

Condemning Apu's actions, Rashed called for disciplinary action against him.

“This new student-led political organisation was formed to realise new aspirations. I wish them success but I don't expect anyone within the organisation to engage in activities like the Chhatra League. I hope the Bangladesh Democratic Students Union will take appropriate organisational and administrative action against Apu.”

Following the post, the BDSU issued a statement regarding the action against Apu. Convenor Abu Bakar shared a copy of the show-cause notice on Facebook with the caption, “Zero tolerance against extortion”.

Dhaka University Convenor Abdul Kader also shared the notice on Facebook, writing: "Zero tolerance against extortion. We will not allow anyone to tarnish the spirit of the July Uprising by standing on the blood of the martyrs."