Leaders of Chhatra League’s Jagannath University unit have allegedly threatened the authorities of Sumona Hospital Ltd and demanded extortion money from them.
Confirming the matter on Saturday, Imadul Uddin Ahmed, director of the hospital, said since the hospital authorities did not pay the demanded money, JnU Chhatra League General Secretary SM Akhtar Hossain threatened them over the phone.
“We informed the central Chhatra League unit about this,” he said.
Akhtar reportedly sent JnU Chhatra League Vice President Mehedi Babu and President Ibrahim Faraji sent another member, Robiul Islam Robi, for the purpose.
"This extortion did not occur previously. They have been causing disturbances since they first joined the committee. Akhtar also hurled abuses over the phone. He (Akhtar) might have been misinformed about the incident. It might have been a spur-of-the-moment action. We already offer a discount on treatment for Jagannath University students."
When asked how much money was demanded, he replied: “He did not specify the amount; he just wanted money. Akhtar called and verbally abused me for not paying up. Later, Ibrahim Faraji, the president of JnU Chhatra League, called me and spoke to me; they have softened a bit. We talked about reconciliation. This happens almost always."
Central Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan could not be reached for comment.
Regarding this matter, SM Akhtar Hossain said: “Mehedi Babu is not in Dhaka. He is at home. I do not have Imadul Uddin's phone number. I did not call him. I have not been to Sumona (hospital) for almost a year and a half.”
JnU Chhatra League President Ibrahim Faraji said: “I do not know anything about this. There is no place for extortion in the Jagannath University Chhatra League. We do not condone such actions. Perhaps someone is misusing our name."
On January 1, 2022, the committee of the JnU Chhatra League was announced. Six months later, the committee was suspended due to scandals involving extortion in Old Dhaka, monopolizing all campus tenders, misbehaving with teachers, and taking female activists to resorts.
Later, the suspension order was lifted. Even though the term of the JnU branch Chhatra League committee expired a year and a half ago and there were many complaints, no new committee has been formed in this important Chhatra League unit in the capital.