4 remanded over Tk8.39cr student visa scam; victims attack suspects in court

A Dhaka court today (16 July) placed four people on remand in connection with an alleged Tk8.39 crore student visa fraud involving 91 victims, while aggrieved students attacked the suspects as they were being escorted to and from the courtroom.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam granted a five-day remand for the alleged mastermind, Mohammad Harun Or Rashid, also known as Md Matiur Rahman, along with Rabeya Khatun Tania and Saidur Rahman. Another accused, Md Tanzir Islam, was placed on a four-day remand.

Investigating Officer Sub-Inspector Md Billal Bhuiyan of Bhatara Police Station had sought seven days' remand for each of the accused, according to court sources.

During the hearing, victims gathered at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court carrying banners demanding justice. 

As police brought the suspects from the court lock-up to the courtroom, several students attempted to assault them and hurled abuses at them.

Tensions flared again after the hearing when the accused were being taken back to the lock-up. Enraged students attacked them, prompting police to move the suspects through an alternative entrance.

Some protesters also attempted to force their way into the lock-up by pushing and kicking the main gate, leading to a brief confrontation with police before lawyers representing the complainants calmed the crowd.

According to the case statement, the accused, through Visa Guide Company and later Just Thought Education Consultant, promised to send students abroad on student visas within four months.

The companies allegedly collected Tk8.39 crore from 91 students but failed to arrange their travel even after the promised timeframe had elapsed.

The case was filed on 8 July by Al Amin on behalf of the victims, naming 13 individuals and seven to eight unidentified persons as accused.