The Pabna Government Edward College branch of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has issued a show-cause notice to its office secretary Ashraful Islam, following allegations of extortion during Pohela Boishakh celebrations.
The action was taken after a video surfaced on social media showing Ashraful discussing money collected from temporary stalls. In the footage, which has since gone viral Ashraful is heard claiming that shopkeepers were merely providing "a little food" for his followers rather than paying extortion.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 14 during a concert held on the college grounds. According to complaints Ashraful collected "donations" from temporary mobile shops set up for the festival. A dispute later broke out at the Shamsuzzaman Muslim Hall over the distribution of the collected funds, bringing the matter to the attention of general students and party workers.
On Thursday afternoon, College Branch JCD President Rakibul Islam and General Secretary Imrul Kayes Kabyo served the notice demanding a written explanation within 24 hours.
Ashraful Islam, a student of the Social Science department, has dismissed the allegations as a conspiracy by rivals within the party. "A new committee is due soon, so my opponents are making false accusations to ruin my reputation" he claimed. He maintained that no shopkeeper could prove he demanded money.
JCD General Secretary Imrul Kayes Kabyo stated that the organization is conducting a thorough investigation. "The party will not take responsibility for any individual's personal wrongdoing" he told reporters that emphasizing permanent organizational action will be taken if the charges are proven.
