A video showing a leader of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) in Rangpur asking for money has caused a stir on social media.
The video, which appeared on Facebook on March 1, features Nahid Hasan Khandakar, spokesperson of SAD’s Rangpur Metropolitan Unit. In the video, Nahid is reportedly heard asking for money from sand traders while saying they need to “manage” local officials like the UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer) and DC (Deputy Commissioner).
In the 2-minute-41-second clip, Nahid says, “You see how things are. We have to handle the UNO and DC. If you want to lower the amount, talk to bhai [brother]. I don’t want trouble for you. You know what it takes to run an organisation.” The conversation is reportedly about sand extraction and a park project. The video shows Nahid, but the other person is not visible.
After the video spread online, SAD issued a show-cause notice to Nahid, giving him three days to explain why he should not face disciplinary action, according to news reports.
Nahid denied the claims, saying, “I went there 6–7 days ago after hearing about illegal sand extraction. I didn’t take any money. This is a conspiracy by a Jubo League group to damage my image and harm the movement.”
He also claimed, “The video is fake and AI-generated. It’s part of a plan by Awami League supporters to stop us from exposing their wrongdoings. We removed the fascists in 2024, and now they are trying to ruin our reputation.”
Sources said the incident happened last week in Hajirhat, Rangpur, involving illegal sand collection under the name of an eco-park project.
Locals said “Sand digging was going on for a pond. Nahid asked them for Tk 1 lakh, saying it was illegal. The video proves it. They also have call recordings of him asking for money, and we can release them soon.”
In the video, another person is heard saying, “If sand extraction is illegal, I’ll stop it. I can’t pay one lakh, but I can give five thousand.”
Nahid responds, “Why stop your business? Keep it running. Talk to my brother. Take time if needed. You know we have to deal with the UNO and DC. If you want to lower the amount, talk to him. I don’t want you to face trouble.”
SAD Rangpur Metropolitan Convenor Imtiaz Ahmed told reporters, “Our organisation does not support illegal actions. We are checking the video. At first, it seems like someone is trying to defame Nahid and our platform. But if he’s guilty, we will take action.”