Gulshan Extortion Case: Apu’s Wife Alleges Kidnapping, Asif Denies Involvement

The controversy surrounding the extortion case at the Gulshan residence of former MP Shammi Ahmed continues to escalate. Jane Alam Apu, arrested on August 1, 2025, from Wari, released a 35-minute video on August 13, 2025, which went viral on Facebook, accusing interim government adviser Asif Mahmud of orchestrating the extortion. However, Apu’s wife, Anisha, alleged in a press conference on Thursday that Apu was kidnapped and coerced into recording the statement at BNP leader Ishraq Hossain’s Gopibag residence.

Anisha claimed Ishraq’s associates abducted Apu, forced him to record the video implicating Asif Mahmud and Nahid Islam, and handed him over to police the next morning. In response, Asif Mahmud, addressing journalists on Thursday, August 14, 2025, denied any recent contact with Apu, stating, “I knew Jane Alam Apu in 2022, but I haven’t met or spoken to him since August 5. I’m shocked by these claims. We need to investigate if Apu was abducted and forced to make this statement.” He expressed concern about a potential return to a culture of enforced disappearances, referencing past practices like “Aynaghar” (mirror houses), and is probing the allegations.

Regarding claims of being spotted on a bike near The Westin, Asif said, “I often visit Neela Market at night. If someone wearing a helmet is linked to me in CCTV footage, that’s unfortunate. I don’t recall being in that specific area that day.”

The case stems from a July 17, 2025, incident where Apu, a former joint convener of Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Council, and others allegedly demanded Tk 50 lakh from Shammi Ahmed’s husband, Siddik Abu Zafar, collecting Tk 10 lakh after threats. Five others—Abdur Razzak Riyad, Sakadaun Siyam, Sadman Sadab, Ibrahim Hossain Munna, and a minor—were arrested on July 26. Apu, arrested later, confessed in court on August 6 but claimed during his remand hearing that he was unaware of the extortion and was drawn in by Riyad.

Social media is abuzz with debates over the video, with some questioning the interim government’s credibility. The case has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, with calls for a thorough investigation into Anisha’s kidnapping allegations.