Man Held After Facebook Comment Raises Security Concerns During Tarique Rahman’s Rajshahi Visit
Bdbusinessdaily.com – Law enforcement authorities have detained Abu Bokor Siddique after a Facebook comment about a sniper drew attention during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Rajshahi on 20 October.
The comment appeared beneath a social-media post discussing the bus used to carry the prime minister from Shah Makhdum Airport into Rajshahi city. After images of the remark circulated online, security agencies began examining the matter and later detained Siddique in Rajshahi’s Paba upazila.
Detention confirmed by security officials
Lt Col Faisal Ishtiaq, commander of Rajshahi SRB-5, confirmed on the morning of 22 October that Siddique had been detained. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam also said Siddique was being taken to Dhaka for questioning.
Shafiqul, who also serves as chief of the DMP Detective Branch, said Siddique would be interrogated following his detention.
A statement posted on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed’s Facebook page said personnel from the SRB-5 Rajshahi Battalion detained Siddique during an operation in Ramchandrapur, within Parila Union of Paba upazila. The raid took place at about 5:30pm on 21 October.
The statement said authorities would disclose further information about the investigation and any legal steps once official updates were available from the agencies handling the case.
Comment centred on prime minister’s transport
The online discussion began after a Facebook page called “The Beauty of Rajshahi” shared a photograph of the Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, or Ruet, bus used during the prime minister’s trip. The post questioned why the prime minister had travelled in that vehicle rather than the red-and-green bulletproof bus generally used for his journeys.
In the comments beneath that post, Siddique wrote in Bangla:
“Alas! It was a huge opportunity. Only a sniper was missing.”
The wording triggered alarm after screenshots spread widely on social media. The comment was treated as potentially serious because it referred to the security of the head of government during a public visit involving roadside crowds and a moving motorcade.
Authorities have not publicly set out the full findings of their inquiry. The announced questioning is expected to focus on the context, intent and possible legal implications of the comment.
Rajshahi visit drew large public crowds
Prime Minister Tarique arrived at Shah Makhdum Airport at around 3pm on 20 October. He then travelled into the city aboard a Ruet bus.
Large numbers of people stood along the route to welcome him. From the moving vehicle, the prime minister waved to supporters and residents gathered on both sides of the road.
Public appearances of this kind require close coordination between local authorities, security personnel and organisers. Routes, vehicles, crowd movement and access points can all become important considerations when a senior political leader travels through a densely populated area.
The controversy over the Facebook remark also brought renewed attention to the difference between online expression and language that authorities may consider a possible threat. Investigators will need to determine whether the statement amounted to a criminally actionable threat or whether other circumstances affect how it should be assessed.
Political leaders call for examination of the remark
BNP leaders in Rajshahi said they were concerned after the comment became public. Ali Ashraf Masum, vice-president of Rajshahi city BNP, said the safety of the prime minister must be treated as a priority.
“We were also concerned after seeing the comment on Facebook. The issue of the prime minister’s security is important. It is necessary to investigate whether the comment could be construed as a threat against him.”
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police had already identified Siddique before the detention. On 21 October, RMP spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman said legal action would be pursued.
Speaking again on 22 October, Gaziur described a comment of this nature during the prime minister’s Rajshahi tour as deeply troubling, criminal and irresponsible.
“We are taking the matter seriously, and legal action will be taken.”
Investigation expected to clarify next steps
The detention does not by itself establish criminal responsibility. Any charges or further action will depend on the outcome of questioning and the evidence gathered by the relevant authorities.
For now, the case highlights how rapidly social-media posts can move from a local discussion into a matter of public-security concern, particularly when they involve a prominent political figure. Screenshots can circulate beyond their original audience within minutes, making it difficult to separate an impulsive remark from language that may be interpreted as threatening.
Officials have indicated that further details will be released as the investigation progresses. The focus remains on establishing the meaning and intent behind Siddique’s comment, as well as determining whether it created or represented a credible concern for the prime minister’s security during the Rajshahi visit.
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