A leaked video has ignited a storm of controversy after it showed a heated conversation involving Nahid Hasan Khandaker, spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Rangpur.
The video, which was shared widely on Facebook, includes a conversation in which Nahid allegedly demands money from an individual.
In the 2-minute 41-second video clip, Nahid is heard discussing the extraction of sand and the construction of an eco-park, reportedly threatening action involving local administration officials.
"You can see where this issue has gone; the UNO and DC are now handling it. If you feel like reducing the amount, then talk to the brother. I don’t want you to face any problems. You know what needs to be done to run an organization," Nahid says.
The person on the other end of the conversation, who remains off-camera, responds, "If you say there’s sand business happening, then I’ll stop it. I can’t give one lakh taka, I’m giving five thousand taka."
To this, Nahid replies, "Why would you stop the business? Keep it going. Speak with the brother. If you need time, take some. You can see where this issue has gone; the UNO and DC are managing it. If you think about lowering it, then speak with the brother. I don’t want you to have any problems. You know what needs to be done to run an organization."
This video clip, believed to be about a week old, has caused significant discussions on social media, especially considering Nahid’s role in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
Several leaders of the movement in Rangpur, along with local sources, confirmed that the conversation took place in the Hazirhat area of Rangpur city, where illegal sand extraction was allegedly happening under the pretext of constructing an eco-park.
Belal Hossain, the director of the eco-park, further elaborated on the matter, stating, "Nahid was asking for one lakh taka. He threatened me with the district commissioner, with this and that. The video was made by them and was sent to the superintendent of police. However, they did not spread it on Facebook themselves," Belal added.
The allegations against Nahid have led to the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issuing a show-cause notice.
The organization has clarified that they do not support any form of illegal activity and have asked Nahid to explain within three days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
In a letter signed by Ali Milon, the chief organizer of the Rangpur chapter, Nahid was asked to provide a written explanation.
Nahid, however, denies all allegations, calling the accusations a conspiracy to discredit both him and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
"Six or seven days ago, I went there after receiving information about illegal sand extraction. But I didn’t take a single taka from anyone. They won’t be able to provide any evidence. This entire situation has been orchestrated by a faction of the Jubo League to frame me and discredit the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement," Nahid asserted.
Imtiaz Ahmed, the convener of the Rangpur committee, mentioned that the organization is reviewing the matter carefully.
"We are currently investigating the video that has surfaced on social media. Initially, it appears that someone is attempting to defame him and our platform. However, if any evidence is found to support the accusations, we will take disciplinary action," he told reporters.
Meanwhile, the Rangpur Superintendent of Police, Abu Saim, also commented on the situation.
He stated that a Canada-based individual approached him regarding extortion allegations involving the eco-park construction.
However, the person did not file a formal complaint. "If we receive an official complaint, we will take the necessary steps," Saim told Prothom Alo.
The scandal has raised questions about the integrity of both the leadership and the movement itself, and the public is waiting for more clarity on the incident. For now, Nahid faces scrutiny as the investigation continues.
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