Apu’s Wife Alleges Kidnapping by BNP’s Ishraq, Forced Confession Naming Asif-Nahid

Anisha, wife of Jane Alam Apu, joint convener of Bangladesh Democratic Students' Council (Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad), alleged that BNP leader Ishraq Hossain kidnapped her husband and coerced a false confession implicating advisors Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Nahid Islam. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, August 14, 2025, outside the National Museum in Shahbag, Anisha claimed the confession video was recorded at Ishraq’s residence in Gopibag.

Anisha accused Ishraq’s associates of abducting Apu, filming the video overnight, and repeatedly pressuring him to name Asif and Nahid. She said Apu was handed over to police the next morning and claimed he faced a media trial, expressing fears for her safety: “I’m alone, with no one to protect me. I hope nothing happens to me.”

Apu, arrested on August 1, 2025, in Wari for alleged extortion at the Gulshan residence of former MP Shammi Ahmed, addressed the incident in a 35-minute viral Facebook video. He admitted to being the individual seen collecting money bags in a clip but claimed the operation was official, conducted with police and informed to the zone’s DC and AC at 5:00 AM. Apu alleged he met Asif Mahmud the previous night and questioned why media omitted details of the prior night’s operation and CCTV footage, challenging authorities to release it to reveal who facilitated Shammi’s escape.

The extortion case led to six arrests, including Apu, following allegations against anti-discrimination movement coordinators. Others arrested on July 26 include Md. Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, Md. Aminul Islam, Ibrahim Hossain Munna, and Abdur Razzaq Riyad, sparking widespread social media debate.