Student Activist Remanded in University Attempted Murder Case

A former leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Presidency University student, Abdur Razzak Bin Solaiman Riyad, has been placed on a two-day remand following allegations of attempted murder. The decision was handed down on Thursday, 5 March, by Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Shefatullah.

While the court granted the remand for Razzak, similar petitions for three other students—Riyadul Haowladar, Alif Ahmed Ashik, and Sayem Shikdar—were rejected. The court also denied their respective bail applications, ordering them to be held in judicial custody.

The Incident at Presidency University

The legal proceedings stem from a violent altercation on the university campus. According to the case statement filed by fellow student Nirjon Sardar Badhon, the dispute erupted in Room 412 on the fourth floor of the university building.

The victim alleged that during a discussion regarding convocation attendance, an argument escalated under Razzak’s direction. It is claimed that:

• Physical Assault: Defendants Riyadul and Sayem allegedly struck the complainant with chairs, causing injuries to his chest and back.

• Weapon Usage: The primary accused, Razzak, reportedly used a switchblade knife in an attempt to inflict a fatal injury, resulting in a severe laceration to the victim’s nose.

• Intervention: University faculty and peers intervened to stop the assault before Gulshan Police arrived at the scene to detain the suspects.

Legal Arguments and Background

During the hearing, Sub-Inspector (SI) Arman Ali of Gulshan Thana sought a five-day remand to facilitate a deeper investigation into the motive and recovery of the weapon. Defense counsel Zakir Hossain argued for Razzak’s bail, while Advocate Sakhawat Hossain, representing the other three, pleaded for leniency on the grounds that his clients were active candidates for professional job examinations.

Notably, this is not Razzak’s first encounter with the law. He was previously arrested on 26 July last year for allegedly demanding extortion money at the residence of former MP Shammi Ahmed. He had been out on bail for that matter when this latest incident occurred.

Case Summary Table

The investigation continues as police look into the “prior enmity” mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR), which allegedly fuelled the confrontation.