Principal’s extortion case : Two bailed, one detained

Shajahanpur (Bogura) Correspondent: Two female HSC examinees accused in an extortion case filed by the principal of Gohail Islamia High School and College, Motahar Hossain, have been granted bail, while another student, Rihad Hossain Riyad, remains behind bars.

On Thursday (August 7), Bogura’s Senior Judicial Magistrate and Shajahanpur Amli Court Judge Sadia Afsana Rima granted the bail following a hearing. During the session, the plaintiff’s lawyer opposed the bail plea.

After receiving bail, the two students appeared at the Demajani Government Komor Uddin Islamia College examination center and took part in their Social Science exam.

Meanwhile, fellow examinee Riyad, who was receiving treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, was sent to jail on Thursday following his release from the hospital.

Riyad alleges that on the evening of August 5, he was abducted from his home in Khadash village by hired goons of Principal Motahar Hossain and taken to a tin-shed near the Jamadarpukur fuel station. There, he claims, he was beaten before being framed in an extortion case filed by the principal.

Police have stated that, in addition to the extortion case, Riyad has also been made an accused in the murder case of Jubo Dal leader Forkan.

A court official, requesting anonymity, confirmed the bail to Liberty News, stating that the decision was made after hearing both parties’ lawyers.

After completing their exam, the two female students told reporters, “Principal Motahar Hossain has scarred our lives. We demand justice for all his corrupt actions.”

Sub-Inspector Saiful Islam of Shajahanpur Police Station said over the phone, “Riyad was released from the hospital and then sent to jail via the court. He has been charged in two cases – one for extortion and the other for Forkan’s murder.”

It is reported that on July 22, the suspended principal Motahar Hossain attempted to return to the school premises with outside supporters, sparking outrage among students. When his associates allegedly attacked students, a violent protest erupted. Angry students and guardians blocked the Bogura-Natore highway and set fire to the principal’s motorcycle.

Following this incident, on July 25, Motahar Hossain filed an extortion case at Shajahanpur Police Station accusing eight named individuals (including students and guardians) and six unidentified people. Among the accused were two female students, listed as the 7th and 8th defendants, while Riyad was named as the prime accused.

LND/SAE