Published : 07 Oct 2025, 07:49 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 02:33 PM
Cultural activist and poet Shamim Ashraf has been arrested in Mymensingh on charges of hurting Islamic sentiments, according to police.
The arrest took place around 9:45pm on Monday at his Amolapara residence. Ashraf is associated with the Mymensingh Literary Society.
Police said a post appeared on a Facebook page named “Shamim Ashraf” at 11am on Monday, which said: “I am intentionally introducing linguistic diversity in my status. A few more offensive posts will appear in the next few days. Please bear with me. I will be good after that.”
Two hours later, another post followed, prompting accusations of religious insult in response to a comment. As discussions and criticisms grew online, police arrested Ashraf.
Before his arrest, another post appeared on the same Facebook page, where Ashraf apologised, writing: “Please view my comment that caused hurt with leniency.”
District Detective Police (North) chief Muhiuddin Islam confirmed the arrest, adding that a raid would also be conducted at Ashraf’s printing press, “Grafitti”, at Chhoto Bazar.
Shamim’s arrest took place a day after Apurba Pal, a student of North South University, was arrested in Dhaka and sent to jail on charges of “desecrating the Quran”.
The university also permanently expelled Apurba after the charges were brought against him.
