A court has granted a three-day remand for Nabil Yusuf, who was arrested in a case involving allegations of embezzling crores of taka by promising to send people abroad on student visas. Investigators said the remand was necessary to uncover details about the alleged fraud network, identify other individuals involved, and trace the money collected from victims.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Kamal Uddin passed the order on Wednesday after a hearing. Earlier, police from Uttara East Police Station produced Yusuf before the court and sought a seven-day remand for interrogation. The matter was confirmed by Sub-Inspector Helal Uddin of the prosecution department.
According to the case statement, at least 36 people, including the complainant Jarin Tasnim, allegedly paid around Tk 3.10 crore through an organisation named VisaGuide after being assured that they would be sent abroad for higher education under student visa arrangements.
The victims claimed that although they were provided with cheques and receipts after making payments, none of them were sent overseas within the promised timeframe. They also alleged that the money they had paid was not returned despite repeated attempts to contact the organisation.
The complaint further stated that when several victims visited the organisation’s office on 5 July, they found that the office had been relocated without prior notice. This raised concerns among the victims, who subsequently decided to take legal action.
The case was filed on 12 July at Uttara East Police Station by Jarin Tasnim. Following an investigation, police arrested Nabil Yusuf on 4 August from the Purba Rajabazar area of Farmgate in the capital. Yusuf’s family home is in Sat Bhaiyapara area of Sonargaon upazila in Narayanganj.
Police have already arrested four other accused in connection with the case. They are Sabbir Hossain, Matiur Rahman, Saidur Rahman and Rabeya Khatun Tania. They have since been sent to jail following court proceedings.
In the remand application, the investigating officer told the court that questioning Yusuf could provide important information about the alleged fraud operation, the methods used to collect money, the identities of other people involved, the actual number of victims and the whereabouts of the funds allegedly taken from them.
The investigator also said authorities need to examine whether more people have been deceived through similar methods. Police are now looking into the financial transactions, the role of each accused person and whether the organisation operated beyond the complaints already submitted.
Cases involving overseas education and visa-related fraud have frequently emerged in Bangladesh, with victims often targeted through promises of quick admission, guaranteed visas or opportunities abroad. Authorities have advised prospective students and their families to verify the legitimacy of agencies before making large financial commitments. The ongoing investigation will determine the extent of the alleged fraud and the responsibilities of those involved.
